# Granularity

*noun*

say it: **“gran-yuh-LAIR-ih-tee”** **/ˌɡrænjəˈlærɪti/**

How finely data is split into columns, so each column holds the smallest piece you will need on its own.

## What is **Granularity**?

**Granularity** — How finely data is split into columns. If you'll ever sort or filter by city, City needs its own column instead of being buried in one Address column; a first and last name in separate columns can be sorted by last name.

```sql
CREATE TABLE Members (
    MemberID   INT IDENTITY PRIMARY KEY,
    FirstName  NVARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    LastName   NVARCHAR(50) NOT NULL,
    City       NVARCHAR(50) NOT NULL
);
```

## In a sentence

- “Better **granularity** meant splitting Address into Street, City and PostalCode.”

Level: Apprentice · [More Database terms at this level](https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary?category=database&level=2)

Updated: October 28, 2026

Source: https://www.ask-codey.com/glossary/granularity