What is data type optimization in models?

< 1 min read

Data type optimization means choosing the most efficient data type for each column in the model.
In one project, we converted numeric IDs stored as text into whole numbers.
Smaller data types like integers compress better than strings, reducing memory usage.
Dates were stored as Date/Time instead of text to enable time intelligence functions efficiently.
Boolean flags replaced text “Yes/No” columns where possible.
Optimized data types also improve DAX calculation speed and query performance.
It reduces model size, refresh time, and improves report responsiveness.
Overall, correct data types make the model leaner and faster.

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