Analyzing Range Distribution

---
name: analyzing-range-distribution
description: Analyzes CockroachDB range distribution across tables and indexes using SHOW RANGES to identify range count, size patterns, leaseholder placement, and replication health. Use when investigating hotspots, uneven data distribution, range fragmentation, or validating zone configuration effects without DB Console access.
compatibility: Requires SQL access with admin role or ZONECONFIG system privilege. DETAILS option has high cost; use targeted queries with LIMIT. Production-safe for basic usage.
metadata:
  author: cockroachdb
  version: "1.0"
---

# Analyzing Range Distribution

Analyzes CockroachDB range distribution, leaseholder placement, and zone configuration compliance using `SHOW RANGES` and `SHOW ZONE CONFIGURATIONS` commands. Identifies range count anomalies, size imbalances, leaseholder hotspots, and replication issues - entirely via SQL without requiring DB Console access.

**Complement to profiling skills:** This skill analyzes range-level data distribution; for query performance patterns, see [profiling-statement-fingerprints](../profiling-statement-fingerprints/SKILL.md). For schema change storage planning, see [analyzing-schema-change-storage-risk](../analyzing-schema-change-storage-risk/SKILL.md).

## When to Use This Skill

- Identify tables/indexes with excessive range counts indicating fragmentation
- Detect range size imbalances or uneven data distribution across nodes
- Investigate leaseholder concentration causing read hotspots
- Validate zone configuration effects on range placement and replica distribution
- Diagnose range-level replication issues (under-replicated or unavailable ranges)
- Analyze range split patterns from high write volume
- SQL-only range analysis without DB Console access