The area of partitioning is a very complex topic when it comes to the SAP HANA database (in case of all kind of database). The blog post aim is to summarize the facts and explain the different types on high level (pro, cons). Deeper understanding is available in the referenced documents. A high-level understanding is a critical step in order to choose the correct and most effective partitioning in your actual need/situation.
What are the differences?
The following tables contains the differences. Please note that this is a general categorization, both HASH and RANGE type of partitioning method are more complex and intricate than this table mentions. The table uses a simplified categorization.
HASH
RANGE
Amount of data
Typically less data.
Typically huge amount of data.
When to use?
Solves the 2 billion limit.
Next to partitioning (2 billion limit) there are further requirements (e.g. performance needs).
Focus
Focus is on the partitioning itself.
Focus is not only the partitioning but further requirements also.
Implementation
Easier setup.
Preparation and planning necessary, more complex task.
Implementation Type
Mainly technical task. Planning is also necessary and depending on selectivity.
More deeper and detailed planning & technical tasks.
Example
3281773 – What cause the non uniform data distribution in HASH partitioned table in SAP HANA?
2289491 – Best Practices for Partitioning of Finance Tables
Involvement
Mainly a DBA task but data owner participation can be required.
Need further teams (e.g. application knowledge).
Where can I find the most important information about the topic of SAP HANA partitioning?
The complexity is also indicated by the fact that all relevant information can be found in the central documentation (2044468), however, based on experience, further explanations are needed for the interpretation and use of this documentation, which is why additional supporting documents were created (e.g. 3146645 or 3307500). Furthermore, the Blog listed above was created to present specific examples and to compile the supporting documents.
What is the conclusion?
Understanding is the key element to do the proper partitioning of the table based on different requirements. This document explains a top down approach and gives an overview about the topic and the necessary documentations.
If you find any missing information belongs to the topic, please let me know. I am happy to add the new content. My intention is to maintain the content continuously to keep the info up-to-date.
Release Information
Release Date
Description
2026.03.04
First/initial Release of the SAP Blog Post documentation (Technical Article).
last updated: 2026-03-04Why was this blog post created?The area of partitioning is a very complex topic when it comes to the SAP HANA database (in case of all kind of database). The blog post aim is to summarize the facts and explain the different types on high level (pro, cons). Deeper understanding is available in the referenced documents. A high-level understanding is a critical step in order to choose the correct and most effective partitioning in your actual need/situation.What are the differences?The following tables contains the differences. Please note that this is a general categorization, both HASH and RANGE type of partitioning method are more complex and intricate than this table mentions. The table uses a simplified categorization. HASHRANGEAmount of dataTypically less data.Typically huge amount of data.When to use?Solves the 2 billion limit.Next to partitioning (2 billion limit) there are further requirements (e.g. performance needs).FocusFocus is on the partitioning itself.Focus is not only the partitioning but further requirements also.ImplementationEasier setup.Preparation and planning necessary, more complex task.Implementation TypeMainly technical task. Planning is also necessary and depending on selectivity.More deeper and detailed planning & technical tasks.Example3281773 – What cause the non uniform data distribution in HASH partitioned table in SAP HANA?2289491 – Best Practices for Partitioning of Finance TablesInvolvementMainly a DBA task but data owner participation can be required.Need further teams (e.g. application knowledge). Where can I find the most important information about the topic of SAP HANA partitioning?SAP Knowledge Base Article(s):2044468 – FAQ: SAP HANA Partitioning3146645 – What is the best approach in partitioning tables on SAP HANA?3307500 – How to decide which partitioning type and column(s) should been used to partition a table in SAP HANA?SAP Community Article:Collected information regarding partitioning in SAP HANA (with examples)ComplexityThe complexity is also indicated by the fact that all relevant information can be found in the central documentation (2044468), however, based on experience, further explanations are needed for the interpretation and use of this documentation, which is why additional supporting documents were created (e.g. 3146645 or 3307500). Furthermore, the Blog listed above was created to present specific examples and to compile the supporting documents.What is the conclusion?Understanding is the key element to do the proper partitioning of the table based on different requirements. This document explains a top down approach and gives an overview about the topic and the necessary documentations.Other articles✍️ Where can I find knowledge and information belongs to SAP HANA?✍️ Where can I find information about the available tools for SAP HANA (all types of use)?Do you have further questions?Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have question or observation regarding the article.Q&A link for SAP HANA: https://answers.sap.com/tags/73554900100700000996 ContributionIf you find any missing information belongs to the topic, please let me know. I am happy to add the new content. My intention is to maintain the content continuously to keep the info up-to-date.Release InformationRelease DateDescription2026.03.04First/initial Release of the SAP Blog Post documentation (Technical Article). Read More Technology Blog Posts by SAP articles
