A content addressable memory (CAM) device includes a comparand register, a CAM array, and partition logic. The comparand register has inputs to receive a search key, and outputs coupled to the CAM array, which includes a plurality of individually selectable sub-arrays. Each sub-array includes a number of rows of CAM cells and a control circuit, wherein each row of CAM cells is coupled to a match line, and wherein the control circuit has an input to receive a corresponding sub-array enable signal. The partition logic has an input to receive a partition select signal, and is configured to generate the sub-array enable signals in response to the partition select signal. The control circuits selectively propagate the search key through the sub-arrays in response to the sub-array enable signals.