Snowflake SnowPro Certification Practice Test

Why is a low clustering ratio potentially problematic?

1. It indicates data redundancy

2. It could lead to slower queries

3. It means too many micro-partitions

4. It could cause storage costs to rise

The correct answer is: It could lead to slower queries

A low clustering ratio is potentially problematic because it suggests that the data within a table is not well-organized or optimized according to the clustering keys defined for that table. This disorganization can lead to inefficiencies when executing queries, particularly those that filter or sort on the clustering keys. When data is spread across many micro-partitions rather than being concentrated in a smaller number of contiguous micro-partitions, the query engine may need to scan more micro-partitions to retrieve the relevant data. This additional effort results in longer query execution times and can adversely affect performance, leading to slower response times for users. While having too many micro-partitions could also be a concern, the primary issue with a low clustering ratio is its direct impact on query performance due to the increased scanning and processing time required to access and retrieve the desired data efficiently.