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PostgreSQL - Memory

Here is a list of recommended parameters for memory management in PostgreSQL. You should take into account mainly the following parameters.

shared_buffers
work_mem
maintenance_work_mem
effective_cache_size

About shared_buffers:

  • Below 2GB, set to 20% of total system memory.
  • Below 32GB, set to 25% of total system memory.
  • Above 32GB, set to 8GB

About work_mem, this parameter can cause a huge speed-up if set properly, however it can use that amount of memory per planning node. Here are some recommendations to set it up.

  • Start low: 32-64MB
  • Look for ‘temporary file’ lines in logs
  • Set to 2-3x the largest temp file

About maintenance_work_mem, here are some recommandations:

  • 10% of system memory, up to1GB
  • Maybe even higher if you are having VACUUM problems

About effective_cache_size, here are some guidelines.

  • Set to the amount of file system cache available
  • If you don’t know, set it to 50% of total system memory

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