How to: Modify Column Scale
The column scale refers to the maximum number of digits to the right of the decimal point for those columns of the decimal or numeric data types. By default, it is set to 0. For columns with floating point numbers, the scale is undefined because the number of digits to the right of the decimal point is not fixed.
You can change the scale for a numeric or decimal data type if you want to redefine the number of digits that can appear to the right of the decimal point.
Note
A new version of Table Designer appears for databases in the SQL Server 2012 format. This topic describes the old version of Table Designer, which you use with databases in earlier formats of SQL Server.
In the new version, you can change a table definition through a graphical interface or directly in a script pane. If you use the graphical interface, the table’s definition is automatically updated in the script pane. To apply the SQL code in the script pane, choose the Update button. For more information about the new version, see How to: Create Database Objects Using Table Designer.
Note
Your computer might show different names or locations for some of the Visual Studio user interface elements in the following instructions. The Visual Studio edition that you have and the settings that you use determine these elements. For more information, see Visual Studio Settings.
To modify the precision of a columns data type
In Server Explorer, right-click the table with columns for which you want to change the scale and click Open Table Designer.
The table opens in Table Designer.
Select the column for which you want to change the precision.
In the Column Properties tab, click the grid cell for the Scale property and enter a value for the scale.
Note
The Scale property applies to decimal or numeric types only.
The new scale is assigned to the column in Table Designer after you click outside the grid cell or use the TAB key to move to another grid cell. It takes effect in the database when you save your changes in Table Designer.