MySQL Database Reported Size and SQL Size Differ

Problem:

The database backup sizes listed in the Site Backup & Restore tool appear different after exported.

Solution:

MySQL is a complex relational database that can contain extremely vast amounts of information—and can also store that information in a number of different ways, for efficient querying. Because of this, when a database is “live”, it's size is typically much larger.

 

  • When "live", the database will be split up into a number of separate files, with control structures, coding and other information necessary for the database to operate properly.
  • When exporting to an SQL file, the structures are removed and only the database data is kept, hence the typically much smaller size.
    • 26 Users Found This Useful
    Was this answer helpful?

    Related Articles

    MySQL Database Creation

    Problem: How do I create an empty MySQL Database? Solution: Databases offer a method for...

    Remote Database Connection Setup

    How do I remotely connect using a database management software? Databases in cPanel can be...

    MySQL Import and Export (.sql file) via SSH

    Problem: How to import and export a MySQL Database from the command line. Solution: MySQL...

    MySQL Import and Export (.sql file) via PhpMyAdmin

    Problem: I need to Export or Import a MySQL database Solution: Note: PhpMyAdmin can only...

    Connecting to your MySQL DB from Dream Weaver

    Problem: How can I connect to our MySQL database from Dream Weaver? Solution: Log into your...