Snowflake Certification Practice Test

Can the clustering depth vary for tables with different micro-partition counts?

1. Yes, it can vary significantly

2. No, it remains constant

3. Only if they have similar structures

4. No, it is dependent on data size

The correct answer is: Yes, it can vary significantly

The clustering depth can indeed vary significantly for tables that have different micro-partition counts. Micro-partitions are internal storage structures in Snowflake that divide tables into smaller pieces, allowing for efficient management, storage, and querying of data. When the number of micro-partitions increases, it can lead to greater granularity in how the data is clustered. Clustering depth refers to the organization and ordering of data within these micro-partitions, which can influence query performance and how efficiently the data can be accessed. Therefore, as the micro-partition count changes—whether because of differences in table design or variations in the volume of data—it impacts how deeply the data can be clustered. For instance, a table with a larger number of micro-partitions may provide more opportunities for effective clustering compared to a table with fewer micro-partitions. Hence, different tables, even with identical structures, can exhibit significant differences in clustering depth based on their micro-partition counts.