- Article
Applies to: 
SQL Server
This topic describes how to increase the size of a database in SQL Server by using SQL Server Management Studio or Transact-SQL. The database is expanded by either increasing the size of an existing data or log file or by adding a new file to the database.
In This Topic
Before you begin:
See AlsoHow to Manage Large Database in SQL Server | GeoPITSHow to Fix SQL/SQL Server the 1024 Column LimitMaximum Length of Objects in SQL ServerBig Data and SQL: Everything You Need to KnowLimitations and Restrictions
Security
To increase the size of a database, using:
SQL Server Management Studio
Transact-SQL
Before You Begin
Limitations and Restrictions
- You cannot add or remove a file while a BACKUP statement is running.
Security
Permissions
Requires ALTER permission on the database.
Using SQL Server Management Studio
To increase the size of a database
In Object Explorer, connect to an instance of the SQL Server Database Engine, and then expand that instance.
Expand Databases, right-click the database to increase, and then click Properties.
In Database Properties, select the Files page.
To increase the size of an existing file, increase the value in the Initial Size (MB) column for the file. You must increase the size of the database by at least 1 megabyte.
To increase the size of the database by adding a new file, click Add and then enter the values for the new file. For more information, see Add Data or Log Files to a Database.
Click OK.
Using Transact-SQL
To increase the size of a database
Connect to the Database Engine.
From the Standard bar, click New Query.
Copy and paste the following example into the query window and click Execute. This example increases the size of the file
test1dat3.
USE master;GOALTER DATABASE AdventureWorks2022 MODIFY FILE (NAME = test1dat3, SIZE = 20MB);GOFor more examples, see ALTER DATABASE File and Filegroup Options (Transact-SQL).
