Types of Hierarchies in Data Warehouse:

Hierarchies are logical entities that an end user can use to analyze fact data.  These entities can be made of one or multiple levels.

Hierarchies are classified as three ways:-
1. Balanced
2. Unbalanced
3. Ragged


Have a look at the exhibit given below, hope it will help you to understand about the types of hierarchies in better way


Balanced Hierarchies:-

Each level in a hierarchy has the same number of members above it as any other member at the same level


Un Balanced Hierarchies:-

Each level in a hierarchy may not the same number of members as the member which are at the same level, refer the hierarchy structure shown above.


Ragged Hierarchies:-


It is not like balanced Hierarchy, the logical parent member of at least one member is not in the level immediately above the member. It will skip the immediate parent. 

For Example: In a company, all the divisions will be reporting to the VP thru hierarchical structure, but Finance department will directly reporting to VP without any middle level.