According to one aspect, provided is a horizontally scaled database architecture. Partition a database enables efficient distribution of data across a number of systems reducing processing costs associated with multiple machines. According to some aspects, the partitioned database can be manages as a single source interface to handle client requests. Further, it is realized that by identifying and testing key properties, horizontal scaling architectures can be implemented and operated with minimal overhead. In one embodiment, databases can be partitioned in an order preserving manner such that the overhead associated with moving the data for a given partition can be minimized during management of the data and/or database. In one embodiment, splits and migrations operations prioritize zero cost partitions, thereby, reducing computational burden associated with managing a partitioned database.