Azure SQL Indexes helps review index usage and index-related tuning opportunities for an Azure SQL database.
What To Review
- Index list and usage signals.
- Missing or inefficient index opportunities where available.
- Relationship between indexes and expensive queries.
- Potential index maintenance risks.
Workflow
- Open Indexes for the Azure SQL database.
- Review high-impact findings first.
- Compare with Queries and Query Store.
- Test changes safely before applying them to production.
How To Review Azure SQL Indexes
Azure SQL index review should begin with workload evidence. Use Azure SQL Queries and Azure SQL Query Store to find the statements that matter most, then use the Indexes page to understand whether table access patterns are supported by existing indexes.
Be careful with missing index suggestions and low-use index signals. An index may help one query but slow down writes, increase storage, or create maintenance overhead. A rarely used index may still support an important monthly report or emergency process. Review query plans, execution frequency, write volume, and business context before adding or dropping indexes.
For Azure SQL, also consider cost and service tier. Reducing reads with a better index can improve performance and may reduce pressure on DTU, vCore, or elastic pool resources.
Azure SQL Index FAQ
Should I create every suggested index?
No. Validate suggestions against query evidence, write overhead, storage, and production workload patterns.
Why compare indexes with Query Store?
Query Store helps show whether a query is frequent, regressed, or plan-sensitive, which makes index decisions safer.
Can index changes reduce Azure SQL cost?
Sometimes. Better indexing can reduce resource consumption, but every change should be tested and measured.