Hi

This question is more to do with database design, something I`ve recently started.
My question is... I have a form used as a front end to a SQL DB. The form controls what is entered into the database. It contains multiple radio buttons with text such as 'Small' 'Medium' 'Large'. At present if 'Small' is selected a value of 'Small' (string) is added to the DB. Would it be better to have each of these text values mapped to a value of type INT? ie. 'Small' = 1, 'Medium' = 2, 'Large' = 3 etc. So when 'Medium' is selected a value of '2 would be added rather than "Medium'. Would this result in faster query returns?

Would like to know which would be the better way to go.
Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Kelly