Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for programmatically determining whether to perform full or partial backups. In some implementations, functionality is provided for intelligently escalating to a full backup based on one or more user-supplied escalation parameters. The escalation parameters can include a threshold of data change between backup files, which if exceeded, can result in escalation to a full backup. The escalation parameters can also include time parameters, computing resource consumption parameters, and other features that can govern full backup escalation. Additional features of the systems and methods described herein can include automatic adjustment of escalation parameters, multi-leveled backup set validation, and intelligent backup file cleanup.