Create and Manage Metrics (Beta)
This feature is currently in Beta and subject to quick, iterative changes. As a result, the latest product version may differ from the content of this document. For additional information, see Frequently Asked Questions.
Metrics are custom aggregate calculations that can be reused across workbook data elements that share a data source (i.e., dataset or connection table). Define metrics at the data source level to promote consistent metric logic across elements and help users perform standard calculations with ease and efficiency.
This document explains how to create and manage metrics for improved metrics governance. For information about applying metrics to workbook data elements, see Use Metrics in a Workbook.
Summary of Content
User Requirements
The ability to create and manage metrics requires the following:
- For datasets:
- You must be assigned an account type with the Edit Dataset permission enabled.
- You must be the dataset owner or be granted Can Edit dataset permission.
- For connection tables:
- You must be assigned the Admin account type.
Create a Metric
- Open a dataset or connection table, then click Edit in the header.
- Select the Metrics tab, then click Create Metric to open the metric builder.
- Create the metric:
- In the Name and Description fields, enter details about the metric. This information is displayed to users when applying metrics to a workbook element.
- In the Formula field, define the metric logic. You can use Sigma’s functions and reference any column in the open dataset or connection table.
Metric formulas don't currently support window functions or references to other custom metrics.
- Use the formatting tools and preview to customize the metric output.
Metrics are designed to define aggregate calculations. If the metric builder preview returns a “null” value, your formula may be missing an aggregate function (Sum, Avg, Count, etc.).
- In the header, click Publish to save the metric.
Edit a Metric
When you edit a metric, Sigma immediately reflects your changes in workbook elements linked to the specific dataset or connection table. All workbook references to the metric reflect name and description changes, and Sigma automatically recalculates existing metric output according to formula updates.
- Open the dataset or connection table containing the metric you want to edit, then click Edit.
- Select the Metrics tab, then locate and click the metric to open it in the metric builder.
- Edit the metric name, description, formula, and formatting as needed, then click Publish to update the metric.
Delete a Metric
When you delete a metric, its calculation becomes invalid in workbook elements. Tables display error messages in columns that previously produced metric output, while visualizations and pivot tables display an error message in place of the element altogether.
- Open the dataset or connection table containing the metric you want to delete, then click Edit.
- Select the Metrics tab and locate the metric in the list. Click the metric’s
action icon and select Delete. 
You can also select the metric to open the metrics builder, then locate the metric in the side panel and click
Delete metric.