Flowchart illustrating SQL Server's decision process for query execution: checks if an index is available, then whether it can satisfy the WHERE clause, leading to index seek, index scan, or table scan.

SQL Server Index Seek vs. Scan: Performance Differences with Real Examples

Understand the critical difference between index seek and index scan in SQL Server. This article covers how SQL Server decides which operation to use, the impact on query performance, and how to optimize your queries and indexes for faster data access. Includes practical code examples, common mistakes, and actionable strategies for developers and DBAs.

June 28, 2025 · Last modified: July 3, 2025 · 7 min · 1289 words · Abhinaw