Good to know: “HASH Partitioning” vs “RANGE Partitioning” in context of SAP HANA database

Estimated read time 5 min read

 

last updated: 2026-03-04

Why 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.

 HASHRANGEAmount of dataLess data.Huge amount of data.When to use?Solves only the 2 billion limit.Next to partitioning (2 billion limit) there are further requirements (e.g. performance needs).FocusFocus is only the partitioning itself.Focus is not only the partitioning.ImplementationEasy setup.Preparation and planning necessary.Implementation TypePure technical task.Planning & Technical tasks.InvolvementNo need other participants (only DBA).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)

Complexity

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. 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 

Contribution

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 DateDescription2026.03.04First/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. HASHRANGEAmount of dataLess data.Huge amount of data.When to use?Solves only the 2 billion limit.Next to partitioning (2 billion limit) there are further requirements (e.g. performance needs).FocusFocus is only the partitioning itself.Focus is not only the partitioning.ImplementationEasy setup.Preparation and planning necessary.Implementation TypePure technical task.Planning & Technical tasks.InvolvementNo need other participants (only DBA).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. 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 

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