Definition of ‘UNLIMITED’ as it relates to file size

We had a question submitted regarding the ‘unlimited’ setting for data files and log files in SQL Server. It seems that it is being misinterpreted as a setting that allows data and log files to grow to an unlimited size. This is not the case. The definition of ‘unlimited’ in this case means that a file will be allowed to grow until the disk is full. The size limits imposed by SQL Server are still enforced (data = 16TB, log file = 2TB).

Here is the link to the BOL entry for CREATE DATABASE which documents ‘unlimited’ clearly.

One Response to “Definition of ‘UNLIMITED’ as it relates to file size”

  1. meklembl Says:

    Thanks. I should have read BOL. Still, some of the databases (79) continue to report “Unlimited” and 2 report the value of 2147483648 KB. Not very consistent on Microsoft’s part.

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