Tuning the Btree Load Factor

The load factor specifies the ratio of entries (as a percentage factor) that are moved to a new block when a Btree block splits.

However, as sets are intrinsically unordered, usually a 66 percent (random) load factor is appropriate.

For dictionaries, statistically a higher load factor value (for example, 95 percent) provides a denser loading of blocks when entries are added in sequential key order, or highly unbalanced Btrees may result.