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# Create and manage dataset parameters (Deprecated)

[Datasets](/docs/datasets) are deprecated:

* Starting June 2, 2026, you will no longer be able to create datasets or edit existing datasets.
* Starting September 15, 2026, you will no longer be able to use datasets as a data source or view datasets in Sigma.

Migrate your datasets to data models and update any documents that use datasets as a data source to use a different source. See [Migrate a dataset to a data model](/docs/migrate-a-dataset-to-a-data-model).

A dataset parameter is a customizable field that you can add to a dataset worksheet and reference in formulas and in custom SQL. Creating dataset parameters and referencing them allows you to dynamically replace values used in calculations.

Use a parameter instead of a constant value for what-if and user input analysis. Using a parameter lets users change its value very quickly. For example, you might want to compare product sales growth by a variable 2%, 5%, and 10% percent. A parameter can quickly inject this variable value into a formula.

Dataset parameters can also improve performance for expensive workbook queries. Use dataset parameters to filter the data down to only what is needed.

If you want to use a parameter with a data model instead of a dataset, see [Pass a value from a workbook control to a data model control](/docs/create-and-manage-a-control-element#pass-a-value-from-a-workbook-control-to-a-data-model-control).

## User requirements

The ability to *create, edit, delete, and use* parameters in datasets requires the following:

* You must be assigned an [account type](/docs/create-and-manage-account-types) with the **Create, edit, and publish data models** permission enabled.
* You must be the the dataset owner or be granted **Can edit** [dataset permissions](/docs/folder-and-document-permissions).

The ability to *view* parameters in a dataset, requires the following:

* You must be assigned an [account type](/docs/create-and-manage-account-types) with the **View data models** permission enabled.
* You must be the the dataset owner or be granted **Can view** [dataset permissions](/docs/folder-and-document-permissions).

## View dataset parameters in a dataset worksheet

From the Sigma Home page, select an existing dataset or create a new one. See [Create Datasets](/docs/data-modeling-tutorial).

When viewing a dataset, access dataset parameters when viewing the **Worksheet** tab for the dataset, in the left panel:

![Dataset worksheet for the Stations table from the Sigma Sample Connection with a parameter for Ideal Dock Count, with a value of 20.](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/19da20a2a239fcd6c23e4363e88bd24aaf6d8c0e9aefdda5d867c8eec0c09a06/assets/docs-images/b696725abe4e295e9794d875546667de5ce83e253c80c940d0998e3aa13d1bf6-dataset-parameters-sidebar.png)

In the left panel, all existing dataset parameters are shown under **Parameters**. For each parameter, you can see:

* **Data type**: Represents the value type of the parameter, such as text (abc), number (123), or date (calendar). For more information see [Supported data types and formats](/docs/data-types-and-formats).
* **Parameter name**: The name of the parameter.
* **Parameter value**: The current value of the parameter. When editing the dataset, you can input a new parameter value. Depending on the parameter settings, you might choose a value from a list, input text, input a number, or select a date.
* **Parameter menu**: Menu to edit, duplicate, or delete the parameter. Select the <img src="https://sigma-docs-screenshots.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Icons/caret.svg" alt="" /> to open the menu. This menu is only available when editing the dataset.

## Create a dataset parameter

1. Open a dataset, then open the **Worksheet** tab for the dataset.
2. Click **Edit**.
3. If the left control panel is not already open, expand it by clicking **Show Controls** in the toolbar, or by selecting the **Controls** bar.
4. In the **Parameters** section, click **Add Parameter**.

   ![Select the + Add Parameter option in the parameters header.](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/cada7f962121a4376a3b5195aaf22bdd77d3fb37e9c709a715802b245b4c4374/assets/docs-images/f361738-3.png)

   The **Add Parameter** modal opens.

   ![Add parameter modal with options described in surrounding steps.](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/e95458bee8ee10653a801bf322118827a98bbfd138697c64e86e3131467a92ed/assets/docs-images/f6c91d6-4.png)
5. For **Parameter Name**, enter a name for the parameter.
6. (Optional) Add a description.
7. Select the **Data Type** (Text, Number, or Date) for the parameter.
8. The **Suggested Values** option determines the parameter’s input type. Select either:

   * **All**: Depending on the data type, can be a text, number, or date value.
   * **List**: A custom set of value options. Users can select any value in the list. See [Use a list of values in a dataset parameter](#use-a-list-of-values-in-a-dataset-parameter).
9. (Optional) Specify a **Default Value** for the parameter.
10. (Optional) For date or number data types, specify a **Format** for the parameter value.
11. Click **Save**.

After creating a parameter, you can use it in one of the following ways:

* In the dataset worksheet left **Controls** panel, change the value.
* Reference the parameter in a formula, such as in a new dataset column. See [Reference a dataset parameter in a formula in a dataset worksheet](#reference-a-dataset-parameter-in-a-formula-in-a-dataset-worksheet).
* Update the value of the parameter based on the selection in a workbook control. See [Parameters in Workbooks](/docs/parameters-in-workbooks).

### Use a list of values in a dataset parameter

1. Follow the steps to [create a dataset parameter](#create-a-dataset-parameter), then for **Suggested Values**, select **List**.
2. (Optional) For a date or number data type, specify a **Format** for the parameter value. For example, format a Number value as currency.
3. In the **Values List**, add each value. If you defined a display format, the **Display Value** reflects the formatting.

   ![Edit parameter modal, with the format set to Currency, and a value list option showing the number 0, with a display value of \$0.00](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/6c69b36cd5adf6496077fed2654ad89e9238a4f022719bbe891b8188d13f8587/assets/docs-images/3902776-6.png)
4. (Optional) In the **Default Value** dropdown menu, select one of the values from the list.
5. Click **Save**.

## Reference a dataset parameter in a formula in a dataset worksheet

You can reference a dataset parameter by name in a worksheet column formula. The formula uses the value of the parameter and automatically updates when the parameter value is changed.

For example, for a dataset with a *Revenue* column, you might create a *Min Sales Amount* parameter, then calculate a formula to evaluate whether the sales revenue is greater than the minimum sales amount:

1. Add a new column to the dataset.

2. In the formula bar for the new column, enter the name of the dataset parameter surrounded by square brackets. For example, `[Min Sales Amount]`.

   ![Formula bar autocomplete showing the parameter name, Min Sales Amount.](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/df1f57ed5e1ebb3896531e5bb1d320f200f9cfc7571d68d03e0c434f46baefb0/assets/docs-images/f5c940b-7.png)

3. Rename the column to reflect the formula. For example, *Min Sales Param*.

4. In the parameter list, update the value of the parameter and observe the changes to the column.

   ![Parameter value set to 500 and Min Sales Param column reflecting the value as \$500.00 because the column formula is equivalent to the parameter value.](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/8a8b940159c10940a5e0afe2e942c5a564286904cbc77e92e96240e6c3754da7/assets/docs-images/1d042f2-8.png)

5. Modify the column formula to use the parameter in a calculation. For example, evaluate whether the *Revenue* for each row in the column is greater than the *Min Sales Amount* parameter value using the formula: `[Revenue] > [Min Sales Amount]`

   Sigma automatically calculates a Boolean ([logical](/docs/data-types-and-formats)) value for the column.

6. In the parameter list, change the value of the parameter and observe the changes to the true/false values in the column.

   The calculated column automatically updates when you enter a new parameter value.

## Filter a dataset worksheet with a dataset parameter

To filter a dataset worksheet based on a dataset parameter:

1. Create a parameter. See [Create a dataset parameter](#create-a-dataset-parameter).
2. Reference the parameter in a column formula. See [Reference a dataset parameter in a formula in a dataset worksheet](#reference-a-dataset-parameter-in-a-formula-in-a-dataset-worksheet).
3. Create a filter for that column:

   1. From the column menu, select **Add Filter**.
   2. In the **Add Filter** modal, select the filter type and the filter value(s) to filter in the dataset. For example, choose to display only True values.

      ![For a column Is > Min Sales Amount, choose the filter values from a list of True, False, or null](https://files.buildwithfern.com/sigma.docs.buildwithfern.com/a9bf5564e48559bc3dc74ce9989e7c528e8afe0f8e297e2e9b97fafcd623fe12/assets/docs-images/3576ba4-10.png)
   3. Click **Save**.

      The filter appears in the side panel in the **Filters** section. You can update the parameter and the filter from the panel.

## Reference a dataset parameter in SQL

You can create a dataset or populate a workbook element by [writing a SQL query](/docs/write-custom-sql) against a connected data platform. You can use dataset parameters in your SQL query by wrapping the name of the parameter in curly brackets:

`{{<dataset-parameter-name>}}`

After you update a SQL statement to reference a parameter, changes to the parameter value propagate to the SQL source and refresh the data.

To reference a dataset parameter in SQL:

1. [Create a parameter](#create-a-dataset-parameter).

2. In a workbook, create a data element from SQL. See [Create a data element](/docs/create-a-data-element).

   * When writing the SQL, add the parameter by referencing its name in double curly brackets, replacing any spaces in the name with hyphens:

     `{{<parameter-name>}}`

     For example:

     ```sql
     select * from EXAMPLES.PLUGS_ELECTRONICS.F_POINT_OF_SALE
       where SALES_AMOUNT > {{min-sales-amount)}
     ```

   * If the parameter value is passed into the SQL with single quotation marks, you can remove these quotation marks by prepending the special keyword "#raw" before the parameter name:
     `{{#raw <parameter name>}}`

   If you use the `#raw` configuration value, row-level security can be bypassed, creating a security vulnerability.

3. After saving the SQL, test the results by inputting a value in the parameter and review the output of the data element.

For more examples and details, see [Write custom SQL](/docs/write-custom-sql) and [Create a dataset from SQL](/docs/create-a-dataset-from-sql).

## Delete a dataset parameter

To permanently delete a dataset parameter:

1. Go to a dataset's worksheet tab.
2. Click **Edit**.
3. If the left control panel is not already open, expand it by clicking **Show Controls** in the toolbar, or by selecting the **Controls** bar.
4. In the **Parameters** list, hover over the parameter that you want to delete, then click the caret to open the dropdown menu.
5. Click **Delete**.

## Related resources

* [Reference control values as parameters](/docs/parameters-in-workbooks)
* [Create and manage datasets (Deprecated)](/docs/create-and-manage-datasets)