Error Code 49918 – Overview

Error Code 49918 in Azure SQL Database occurs when the client attempts to create a new database or elastic pool that exceeds the available resources on the server. This error is generally caused by attempting to exceed the maximum allowed resources for a server or elastic pool configuration.

Summary Table

Background

Error Code 49918 typically occurs when a request to create or resize a database or elastic pool cannot be fulfilled due to resource limitations on the SQL Database server. This limitation may stem from attempting to create a database that requires more resources than the server’s capacity or exceeds the maximum configuration limits for an elastic pool.

Error Explanation

The error message for Error Code 49918 generally reads:

Error 49918: The request to create the database or elastic pool failed because it would exceed the maximum allowed resources.

This message indicates that the requested resource allocation for a new database or elastic pool exceeds the server’s capacity or configuration limits.

Common Causes

1. Insufficient Server Resources: The SQL server may not have enough DTUs (Database Transaction Units) or vCores to support the additional load.
2. Exceeding Elastic Pool Limits: The new database or pool request exceeds the maximum allowed resources for the existing elastic pool.
3. Configuration Exceeds Allowed Maximums: Resource requests go beyond the permissible size or compute configuration for the specific SQL Database server.

Steps to Troubleshoot and Resolve Error Code 49918

Step 1: Check Current Server and Pool Resource Usage

Examine the server’s existing resource utilization and configuration limits to identify any capacity constraints.

• Example Query to Check Server and Pool Resource Limits:

SELECT sku, max_size_bytes 
FROM sys.database_service_objectives;

• Purpose: This query lists the service objective and maximum size allowed for each database, helping determine if the server has sufficient resources.

Step 2: Verify Elastic Pool Configuration

If you are adding the database to an elastic pool, verify the pool’s current configuration and utilization. Ensure it can accommodate additional resources.

• Steps to Check Elastic Pool Capacity:
  1. In Azure Portal, navigate to your SQL Database server.
  2. Under Settings, select Elastic Pools and review the configuration for your pool.
  3. Check DTUs or vCores, as well as maximum storage capacity, to ensure there is room for the new database.

Step 3: Scale Up Server Resources

If the server’s capacity is insufficient, consider scaling up the resources by increasing DTUs or vCores to support the additional load.

• Steps to Scale Up Server Resources:
  1. In Azure Portal, navigate to SQL Server > Settings > Compute + Storage.
  2. Select a higher SKU or pricing tier that provides more DTUs or vCores.
  3. Confirm and apply the changes to increase the server’s capacity.

Step 4: Modify Database or Elastic Pool Configuration

If scaling up the server is not feasible, consider adjusting the database or pool configuration to fit within the existing limits.

• Adjusting Pool Configuration:
  • Reduce the maximum DTUs or storage allocated to individual databases within the pool.
  • Redistribute databases across multiple pools if necessary.
• Example of Elastic Pool Configuration:

ALTER DATABASE [DatabaseName] MODIFY (MAXSIZE = 100 GB);

• Replace [DatabaseName] with the name of the database, and set the MAXSIZE value to fit within the pool’s limits.

Step 5: Redistribute Databases Across Multiple Servers

If a single server cannot support the additional resources, distribute the load across multiple servers. This approach helps balance resource usage and may eliminate the need for further scaling.

• Steps to Redistribute Databases:
  1. In Azure Portal, create a new SQL server to host additional databases.
  2. Move or create new databases on the new server to balance the load.

Step 6: Monitor Resource Usage Regularly

Use Azure Monitor to keep track of resource usage and identify any upcoming resource constraints. Set up alerts to receive notifications when usage approaches the maximum limits.

• Steps to Monitor Usage:
  1. Go to Azure Portal > SQL Database > Monitoring > Insights.
  2. Set up alerts for DTU or vCore usage, storage capacity, and other metrics to avoid future resource limit issues.

Workarounds

1. Scale Up Resources Temporarily: If an immediate solution is needed, temporarily scale up resources to accommodate the database or pool addition.
2. Redistribute Databases: Move some databases to another server or pool to free up capacity.
3. Reduce Configuration Requirements: Adjust the configuration to lower resource needs and fit within available server or pool limits.

Solutions

1. Increase Server Capacity: Scale up the server to increase DTUs or vCores.
2. Optimize Elastic Pool Configurations: Adjust the configurations of existing pools to ensure they can accommodate new databases.
3. Distribute Workloads Across Multiple Servers: Use additional servers to balance the load and avoid resource constraints.
4. Monitor Resources: Use Azure Monitor to regularly track resource usage and avoid hitting limits.

Example Scenario

Suppose you receive Error Code 49918 while attempting to add a new database to an elastic pool in Azure SQL Database.

1. Step 1: Run a query to check the current server resource limits:

SELECT sku, max_size_bytes FROM sys.database_service_objectives;

• You find that the current pool is at its capacity limit.

By following these steps, you can address and resolve Error Code 49918, ensuring the SQL Database can accommodate new databases or pool additions.