A method for execution by a dispersed storage and task (DST) client module includes obtaining a plurality of sorted data entries. A data access performance goal level associated with the plurality of sorted data entries is obtained, and obtaining DSN performance information is obtained. Compression parameters are selected based on the data access performance goal level and the DSN performance information. Sorted data entries of the plurality of sorted data entries are selected based on the selected compression parameters to produce a data object. The data object is compressed to produce a compressed data object using the selected compression parameters. The compressed data object is dispersed storage error encoded to produce one or more sets of encoded data slices for storage in a set of storage units.