Techniques related to parallel partitioning and coding mode selection for improved video coding throughput are discussed. Such techniques include performing parallel partitioning and coding mode selection for a lower-right coding unit of a first largest coding unit and an upper-left coding unit of a second largest coding unit to the right of the first largest coding unit and, immediately subsequent thereto, performing parallel partitioning and coding mode selection for a lower-left coding unit and an upper-right coding unit of the second largest coding unit.