💡 Quick Tip of the Day: Indexes or Indices in SQL Server?

Did you ever wonder if the plural of index in SQL Server should be indexes or indices? You’re not alone—this question comes up more often than you’d think.

The Short Answer

In SQL Server (and in most database documentation), the correct term is indexes.

Why “Indexes”?

• Microsoft Documentation → The official SQL Server docs consistently use indexes, not indices. For example, you’ll find references like “clustered indexes” or “nonclustered indexes”.
• Industry Usage → Within the database and developer community, “indexes” is the standard plural. When you’re writing scripts, documentation, or emails about SQL Server, “indexes” will be immediately clear.
• Clarity → In tech, plain English often wins. “Indexes” avoids the academic or financial flavor that “indices” carries.

When You Might See “Indices”

• Math/Statistics → In pure mathematics, “indices” is the traditional plural (e.g., tensor indices).
• Finance → In the stock market, we talk about “market indices” like the S&P 500.
• Personal Preference → Some people simply prefer “indices,” especially if they come from those fields.

What to Use in SQL Server Work

Stick with indexes when writing queries, documentation, or communicating with other DBAs and developers. It matches Microsoft’s terminology and the shared language of the SQL Server world.

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✅ Takeaway: In SQL Server, it’s indexes. “Indices” isn’t wrong in general English, but if you want to be consistent and understood quickly in the database community, always go with indexes.