Size of Database files (MySQL)

[Anon]

How much space would data in MySQL datafiles take compared to if the data was stored in textfiles? (just for a general case)

I need an approx. factor to multiply by. (for instance I think I once read that its was 4 times the size.)

Most importantly I need a reference for this.

thanks

[[deleted]]

The MySQL manual contains all the info you need.

Most database fields require about 3-4 bytes of extra storage space.

So there is no multiplication factor, just take the size of your data, add 4 bytes times the number of fields, and you should have a rough indication.

[ppavlovic]

Plus indices htat can be of about 1/4 of table size

Regads,
coyote