Microsoft SQL Server data
File type: Various data file
An sqlplan file is a saved query execution plan for Microsoft SQL Server. It contains information used to display and analyze how SQL Server executes a query.
The file belongs to SQL Server management tools, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express.
File type category:
Various data file
Date updated: October 29, 2026
The sqlplan file extension is associated with Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft's relational database management system. SQL Server management tools can save a query's execution plan in this format.
An sqlplan file contains XML-based execution-plan data, including the operations SQL Server uses to process a query. Management Studio can use this data to present the plan graphically for performance analysis.
An sqlplan file is a saved description of query execution, not a database or a set of query results. It can be retained and opened later for comparison or troubleshooting. The format is used on Microsoft Windows by SQL Server management software and remains associated with SQL Server tools.
On Microsoft Windows, open an sqlplan file with Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, including Microsoft SQL Server 2008 Management Studio Express. Use the program's Open command to load the file and view the saved execution plan.
Because the file contains XML data, it can also be viewed as text in an XML or text editor, although that will not provide Management Studio's graphical execution-plan view.
An sqlplan file normally does not need to be converted. It is intended to be opened and analyzed by SQL Server Management Studio, which can save execution plans in the same format.
If the plan data is needed as plain text or XML, the file can be opened in a text or XML editor and saved in an appropriate text-based form. This preserves the data but does not create another graphical execution-plan format.
Software apps that create sqlplan files:
Microsoft Windows
Software applications that handle other tasks involving sqlplan files:
Microsoft Windows
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