What is the difference between datetime and smalldatetime?

datetime has a larger date range and higher precision (3.33 ms) compared to smalldatetime, which has a smaller range and only minute precision.

Can datetimeoffset store daylight saving time information?

No, datetimeoffset stores the time zone offset but does not automatically adjust for daylight saving time.

Why should I avoid storing dates as strings in SQL Server?

Storing dates as strings can lead to incorrect sorting, filtering, and calculations. Using proper date/time types ensures accurate and efficient operations.

Topic 3124 min readStructured Tutorial

SQL Server Date and Time Data Types

Quick Answer

SQL Server provides several date and time data types such as datetime, date, time, datetime2, and datetimeoffset to store temporal data with varying precision and time zone support. Choosing the right type depends on your application's precision and time zone requirements.

Learning Objectives

Identify and describe the main SQL Server date and time data types.
Understand the differences between datetime, datetime2, date, time, and datetimeoffset.
Learn how to choose the appropriate date/time type for different scenarios.

Introduction

Working with dates and times is essential in many database applications.

SQL Server provides several specialized data types to store date and time values efficiently and accurately.

Accurate timekeeping is critical for reliable data management.

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RPATechnology Team

Last Updated

June 2026

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Detailed Explanation of Each Date and Time Type

Let's explore each date and time data type, their storage size, precision, and typical use cases.

SQL Server Date and Time Data Types Comparison
Data Type	Storage Size	Range	Precision	Description
datetime	8 bytes	1753-01-01 to 9999-12-31	3.33 ms	Stores date and time, legacy type
datetime2	6-8 bytes	0001-01-01 to 9999-12-31	100 ns	High precision date and time
date	3 bytes	0001-01-01 to 9999-12-31	Date only	Stores only date, no time
time	3-5 bytes	00:00:00.0000000 to 23:59:59.9999999	100 ns	Stores time of day only
datetimeoffset	8-10 bytes	0001-01-01 to 9999-12-31	100 ns	Date and time with time zone offset
smalldatetime	4 bytes	1900-01-01 to 2079-06-06	1 minute	Legacy type with limited range and precision

datetime

The datetime type stores date and time values from January 1, 1753, to December 31, 9999.

It has a fixed storage size of 8 bytes and a precision of about 3.33 milliseconds.

Legacy type, widely used in older applications
Limited precision compared to newer types
Not timezone-aware

datetime2

Introduced in SQL Server 2008, datetime2 offers higher precision and a larger date range.

It supports fractional seconds precision up to 7 digits (100 nanoseconds).

Preferred over datetime for new development
Variable storage size from 6 to 8 bytes depending on precision
Not timezone-aware

date

The date type stores only the date portion without any time component.

It uses 3 bytes of storage and supports dates from year 1 to 9999.

Useful when time is not relevant
Improves storage efficiency when only date is needed

time

The time type stores time of day values without any date component.

It supports precision up to 100 nanoseconds and uses 3 to 5 bytes depending on precision.

Ideal for storing durations or time-only values
No date or timezone information included

datetimeoffset

datetimeoffset stores date and time along with a time zone offset.

It is useful for applications that require timezone-aware timestamps.

Supports the same range and precision as datetime2
Includes time zone offset from -14:00 to +14:00
Preferred for global applications

smalldatetime

smalldatetime is a legacy type with limited range and precision.

It stores date and time with minute precision and uses 4 bytes.

Range from 1900-01-01 to 2079-06-06
Not recommended for new development

Learning Objectives

Introduction

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Overview of SQL Server Date and Time Data Types

Detailed Explanation of Each Date and Time Type

datetime

datetime2

date

time

datetimeoffset

smalldatetime

Choosing the Right Date and Time Type

Examples of Using Date and Time Types

Example: datetime2 Usage

Example: datetimeoffset Usage

Practical Example

Examples

Best Practices

Common Mistakes

Hands-on Exercise

Compare datetime and datetime2

Use datetimeoffset for Time Zones

Interview Questions

What is the difference between datetime and datetime2 in SQL Server?

When should you use datetimeoffset instead of datetime2?

What storage size does the date data type use in SQL Server?

MCQ Quiz

1. Which SQL Server date and time data type supports storing date and time values with a time zone offset?

2. What is the storage size and precision of the datetime data type in SQL Server?

3. Which SQL Server date/time type would you choose if you only need to store the date without any time component?

4. What is a key difference between datetime2 and datetime data types in SQL Server?

5. Why is smalldatetime generally not recommended for new development in SQL Server?

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between datetime and smalldatetime?

Can datetimeoffset store daylight saving time information?

Why should I avoid storing dates as strings in SQL Server?

Summary

Choosing Data Types

CREATE DATABASE

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