Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems and methods for selecting partitions for reclustering based on distribution of overlapping partitions. In an example, a database platform makes a determination to at least partially recluster a database table that includes data stored across a plurality of partitions. The database platform responsively selects a subset of the partitions. The selecting of the subset includes identifying a point on a domain of a clustering key that corresponds to a local maximum of overlapping partitions, and also includes selecting the subset from among a group of overlapping partitions. The group includes at least one partition that overlaps the identified point on the domain of the clustering key. Each partition in the selected subset is above a reduction goal of overlapping partitions. The database platform at least partially reclusters the selected subset based on the clustering key.