Checking tables that need OPTIMIZE

I would like to ask, how can I query the database and know if a table needs to be optimized( OPTIMIZE table;)

Thanks

You can use the statement SHOW TABLE STATUS

The row Data_free gives the overhead of the table.

http://dev.mysql.com/doc/refman/4.1/en/show-table-status.html

I like this one, it give such great stats!

Wait a sec, I will publish a script that I've made, that checks the overhead, and optimizes only the tables that have problem.

Here you are : http://www.webdigity.com/index.php/topic,1367.0.Optimize+all+your+tables+automatically.html