The CUBEVALUE function in Excel is a powerful tool used to retrieve data from OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes. This function is particularly useful for those who need to perform complex data analysis and create detailed reports. Let’s dive into what makes the CUBEVALUE function so userful and how you can apply it effectively. The function is working together with CUBEMEMBER, CUBESET and other CUBE functions.
What is the CUBEVALUE Function?
The CUBEVALUE function returns sum of a values (an aggregated value) from a cube which is loaded into your Power Pivot backend or OLAP live connection. It allows you to extract specific data points based on criteria and filters you define, making it ideal for detailed data Analysis.
Syntax and Arguments
The syntax for the CUBEVALUE function is as follows:
CUBEVALUE(connection, [member_expression1], [member_expression2], …)- connection: A text string of the name of the connection to the cube. If its a Power Pivot model, then the connection is always the same “ThisWorkbookDataModel”. If its an OLAP cube, then it takes the name of that cube connection.
- member_expression: Optional. A text string of a multidimensional expression (MDX) that evaluates to a member or tuple within the cube. You can use multiple member expressions to define the portion of the cube for which the aggregated value is returned1.
Key Features and Benefits
- Flexibility: The CUBEVALUE function allows you to retrieve data from different dimensions and measures within the cube. This means you can perform a wide range of calculations, such as sums, averages, and Counts.
- Integration with other cube functions: The CUBEVALUE function works well with other cube functions like CUBEMEMBER, CUBESET, and CUBERANKEDMEMBER. This integration allows for more complex and dynamic data Analysis.
- Customizable Reports: By converting pivot tables to formulas using the CUBEVALUE function, you gain more flexibility in formatting and customizing your reports. This is particularly useful for creating dashboards and detailed analytical Reports.
Practical Example
Imagine you have a sales data cube with dimensions for products, regions, and time. You want to retrieve the total sales for a specific product in a particular region for the current year. Here’s how you can use the CUBEVALUE function:
- Connection: Assume your connection name is “SalesData”.
- Member Expressions: Define the product, region, and time period.
=CUBEVALUE("SalesData", "[Products].[Product Name].&[Product1]", "[Regions].[Region Name].&[Region1]", "[Time].[Year].&[2024]")This formula will return the total sales for “Product1” in “Region1” for the year 2024.
Tips for Using CUBEVALUE
- Use Cell References: To make your formulas more readable and maintainable, use cell references for member expressions.
- Error Handling: Be aware of potential errors such as #NAME? or #VALUE! These can occur if the connection name is invalid or if there is an issue with the member expressions.
example below: CUBEVALUE function is referencing directly from fields in the pivot table used as filters.
Conclusion
The CUBEVALUE function is a versatile and powerful tool for anyone working with OLAP cubes in Excel. By understanding its syntax and capabilities, you can leverage this function to perform detailed data analysis and create highly customized reports. Whether you’re a data analyst, financial planner, or business intelligence professional, mastering the CUBEVALUE function can significantly enhance your data analysis skills.
You can read my further articles on CUBEVALUE here: Excel Cube functions explained: Cubevalue, Cubeset, Cubemember, Cuberankedmember » Data Empower
Excel CUBEVALUE vs SUMIFS & GETPIVOTDATA » Data Empower