Mapping of database partitions to available nodes. Metric information related to the partitions of the database are stored. One or more metrics associated with the partitions are gathered. A plurality of potential mappings of partitions to nodes are evaluated. One of the potential mappings of partitions to nodes to result in improved metric distribution among the nodes and the partition moves are within a pre-selected move constraint is selected. The selected potential mapping is implemented by moving one or more partitions between one or more nodes.