SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS vs. COUNT(*): Which Method is Faster for Database Pagination?

The Battle of Pagination: SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS vs. COUNT(*)

In the realm of database pagination, there arises a question: which reigns supreme in efficiency—the SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS or the COUNT(*) method for determining the total number of records?

Method 1: SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS

This technique requires adding SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS to the original SELECT query and subsequently executing FOUND_ROWS() to retrieve the total record count.

Method 2: COUNT(*)

In this method, the primary query is executed normally, followed by a separate SELECT COUNT(*) query to obtain the total count.

The Verdict: Contextual Performance

The answer to the speediest approach hinges on contextual factors. According to MySQL's Performance Blog, the decision-making process should consider factors such as index configuration and other database-specific considerations.

Numerous user comments on the blog post suggest that SQL_CALC_FOUND_ROWS is frequently slower than issuing two queries directly, sometimes even up to 10 times slower.

Therefore, when weighing up the two options, it's crucial to evaluate the specific database environment, index structure, and overall performance objectives to make an informed decision.

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