Conversion from VarChar to VarBinary

[djj55]

Hello, I am looking at encryption in 2008. I have the basics down but have a question about sizing the encrypted column. Yes I know that the VAR means space savings.

I have two columns of data I want to encrypt. One 9 characters and one 20 characters. Currently VARCHAR(9) and VARCHAR(20). What is the minimum VARBINARY needed for these, or a better question how do I calculate the VARBINARY size?

Thank you,

djj
The Lord is My Shepard (Psalm 23) - I need someone to lead me!

 

[mrdenny]

Take some of the larger values and encrypt them. Tripple that encrypted size and you should be fine.

Denny
MVP
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[djj55]

Thank you for the answer. I was hoping for an equation but it looks like trial and error is the way to go.

Thanks again,

djj
The Lord is My Shepard (Psalm 23) - I need someone to lead me!

 

[mrdenny]

Trial and error is usually the best way to go. This way you get the most accurate results.

Denny
MVP
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2008 BI / MWSS 3.0: Configuration / MOSS 2007: Configuration)
MCITP (SQL 2005 DBA / SQL 2008 DBA / SQL 2005 DBD / SQL 2008 DBD / SQL 2005 BI / SQL 2008 BI)

My Blog