What is the Maximum Row limit in SharePoint 2010 external list ?

Question

what is the Maximum Row limit in SharePoint 2010 external list ? Lets say the Back-end is SQL Server 2008, Can I store rows as much as SQL Server allows?

Answer 1

There are two limits to keep in mind for this: -

1. The default Max is 2,000 items
2. The absolute max is 25,000 items

Please see this link for more information: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh144965.aspx

---

Steven Andrews | SharePoint Professional | http://www.twitter.com/backpackerd00d | https://baron72.wordpress.com/

Answer 2

Even though the default External List throttle is 2000, I can store any number of rows in my Back-end and make sure only 2000 or less items retrieved via the External List. Is that right?

Or What is the best way to bring data from a Large Database which has more than 50,000 rows?

Answer 3

Hi,

You should always define filters (it can be limit/comparison/wildcard filter) so that you can narrow your search and overcome others restrictions regarding a count of rows in the database. Especially when working with high volume of items, there might be cases in which you may have millions of items to pick, bcs picker will show up to 200 items (this is SharePoint restriction).

Please take a look at these articles about filter creation:

• Creating Comparison and Wildcard Filters for BCS in SharePoint Designer 2010
• How to: Define Filters for External Item Picker Controls

Also you may implement paging. Please take a look at these articles:

• How to use paging in BCS ?
• SharePoint 2010 External List Paging – Server Side
• Paging and sorting with BCS

---

Dmitry

Lightning Tools Check out our SharePoint tools and web parts | Lightning Tools Blog

Answer 4

Steven, Dmitry: excellent info. I've seen this question pop up now and then and decided to promote it to a Wiki page at http://social.technet.microsoft.com/wiki/contents/articles/9628.sharepoint-2010-best-practice-row-limits-in-external-lists.aspx

---

Kind regards,
Margriet Bruggeman

Lois & Clark IT Services
web site: http://www.loisandclark.eu
blog: http://www.sharepointdragons.com

Answer 5

I might add some more information to that page later if you don't mind?

---

Steven Andrews | SharePoint Professional | http://www.twitter.com/backpackerd00d | https://baron72.wordpress.com/

Answer 6

I'd actually love you to do that! That's what wiki is all about...

---

Kind regards,
Margriet Bruggeman

Lois & Clark IT Services
web site: http://www.loisandclark.eu
blog: http://www.sharepointdragons.com

Answer 7

Good work Margriet!

---

Dmitry

Lightning Tools Check out our SharePoint tools and web parts | Lightning Tools Blog