Techniques for splitting a time-range query into sub-queries for serial execution are provided. In one embodiment, a user query is received requesting items within a time range from a database. The time range is divided into a plurality of time periods within the time range. Sub-queries defining respective time periods of the plurality of time periods are generated from the user query, and a first sub-query is executed. The first sub-query defines a first time period of the plurality of time periods, where the first time period is a most-recent time period or a least-recent time period among the plurality of time periods. If it is determined that a number of items obtained from executing the first sub-query is greater than or equal to a predetermined result target, then the items obtained from executing the first sub-query are provided and subsequent sub-queries are not executed.