Query optimization technique for obtaining improved cardinality estimates using statistics on automatic summary tables

A technique for optimizing execution of a query that accesses data stored on a data store connected to a computer. Statistics on one or more automatic summary tables are used to determine an optimal query execution plan for the query. In particular, improved cardinality estimates are generated for one or more query execution plans for the query using statistics of one or more automatic summary tables that vertically overlap the query. These cardinality estimates are used to make more accurate cost estimates, thus improving the likelihood of determining the optimal query execution plan.