Creating a measure from a column or dimension

You can create a measure from almost any column or dimension.

These exceptions apply:
  • When the column data type is Numeric, any aggregate function can be used for the measure.
  • When the column data type is Date or String, neither Sum nor Average can be used.
  • Aggregation is performed when the measure is used in the Facets view. It is not available in the Grid view.
Table 1: Aggregate functions

Function

Description

Sum

Returns the sum of a measure

Min

Returns the smallest value in a set of values

Max

Returns the largest value in a set of values

Count (Distinct)

Returns the number of distinct values in a set of values

Count (All)

Returns the number of values in a set of values

Average

Returns the average value of a measure

None

Allows a numeric dimension to be used as a measure, without aggregation. This type of measure enables each value to be visualized in a graph, which is useful for certain types of graphs.

For example, for a scatter plot that displays margin and quantity-sold values, this option displays all points on the scatter plot and shows the spread of individual values that would not be apparent using an aggregation function.

Note The aggregation type None is not supported when using a Connect to SAP HANA data source.
  1. Select the gear icon on a column heading or next to the dimension to use as the basis for the measure, and select Create a measure.
    A measure is created in the Measures section of the Measures and Dimensions panel.
  2. Select the gear icon next to the new measure, select Change Aggregation, and select an aggregate function.
Switch to the Facets view to see the measure applied to data in a dataset. Select the measure to see changes to data values caused by aggregation.