Sometimes, an estimate is all that is needed for analytic, troubleshooting, or general sizing purposes. SQL Server has many new and existing features that can be used to allow for exceptionally fast row count and query result estimates.

This speedy session provides a look into numerous methods to approximate results in SQL Server, providing ways to save resources and time while still being able to collect important result sets when needed.

Estimates are especially valuable when the output is being used in visualizations where the source row counts are very high, but the size of the target screen is relatively small. This is an opportunity to improve analytic performance using tools already at your disposal that are neither complex or require extensive knowledge to leverage!