Count(1) vs Count(*) in SQL: A Quick Comparison

Count(1) and count(*) are both functions used to count the number of rows in a table. While they typically produce identical results in most databases, there can be subtle differences in performance depending on the specific database system.

In general, both functions will return the same count, representing the total number of rows in the table. They both return an integer value.

However, in certain databases, count(1) might be slightly faster than count(). The reason lies in the way each function operates. Count(1) only needs to check if each row exists, without needing to inspect the actual values of the columns. On the other hand, count() needs to check all column values in every row, which can result in a minor performance difference.

Ultimately, the difference between count(1) and count(*) is usually negligible. Using either function will provide an accurate count of the rows in your table. The choice often comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of your query.