Answer
Outdated statistics produce inaccurate row estimates.
SQL Server may choose inefficient join types or scans, causing slow performance.
Regular statistic updates maintain optimal plans.
Quick Answer
Outdated statistics mean SQL Server is working with stale data distribution information. It might think a filter returns 100 rows when it actually returns 100,000 — leading to a plan built for small data that falls apart at scale. This causes unexpected table scans, wrong join types, and slow queries.
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SugharaIQ Editorial Team
Verified Answer
This answer has been peer-reviewed by industry experts holding senior engineering roles to ensure technical accuracy and relevance for modern interview standards.
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Source: SugharaIQ