How to Get MDX Query from Excel Pivot Table: Easy Guide
Microsoft Excel is one of the most widely used tools for data analysis, and its Pivot Tables offer a powerful way to summarize and analyze large datasets. Behind the scenes, Excel uses MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) to execute queries on OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes, which allows users to perform complex data analysis on multidimensional data models. For users who need to extract or utilize the MDX query behind a Pivot Table, this guide will walk through the steps, providing easy-to-understand instructions.
What is an MDX Query?
MDX, short for Multidimensional Expressions, is a query language for OLAP databases. It is similar to SQL (Structured Query Language), but is specifically designed to handle data that is stored in multidimensional cubes. These cubes allow users to analyze data across various dimensions such as time, geography, or product categories.
In Excel, when you create a Pivot Table connected to an OLAP data source like a SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) cube, Excel internally uses MDX queries to retrieve the data displayed in the Pivot Table. While Excel hides this process from the user, it is possible to access the MDX query to better understand how your Pivot Table is functioning or to use it in other applications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Retrieve MDX Query from an Excel Pivot Table
Before extracting the MDX query, it’s essential to understand the prerequisites:
- The Pivot Table must be connected to an OLAP data source, such as SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
- You will need to access the OLAP tools in Excel.
Let’s go through the steps to get the MDX query.
Step 1: Ensure Your Pivot Table is Connected to an OLAP Data Source
If your Pivot Table is connected to a standard Excel table or a simple data range, it won’t have an associated MDX query. To check if your Pivot Table is connected to an OLAP data source:
- Click on the Pivot Table to activate it.
- Go to the PivotTable Analyze tab in the ribbon.
- Click on OLAP Tools. If the OLAP Tools button is visible, it indicates that your Pivot Table is connected to an OLAP data source.
Step 2: Access the OLAP Tools
With your Pivot Table connected to an OLAP data source, you can now use the OLAP Tools in Excel to access the MDX query.
- Select the Pivot Table.
- Navigate to the PivotTable Analyze tab.
- Click on the OLAP Tools drop-down menu.
- Select Convert to Formulas.
This action will convert the Pivot Table into Excel formulas. While this may seem unrelated to MDX, it’s a necessary step before you can access the underlying query.
Step 3: Enable SQL Server Profiler (for SSAS)
To capture the actual MDX query, you will need to use SQL Server Profiler. This tool monitors the interactions between Excel and the OLAP server.
- Open SQL Server Profiler on your system.
- Start a new trace, and ensure that you are connected to the correct Analysis Services instance.
- Under Events Selection, ensure you are capturing QueryBegin and QueryEnd events.
Step 4: Refresh the Pivot Table in Excel
Now, go back to Excel and refresh the Pivot Table:
- Right-click on the Pivot Table.
- Select Refresh.
As the Pivot Table refreshes, SQL Server Profiler will capture the MDX query sent from Excel to the OLAP server.
Step 5: Capture the MDX Query
Switch to SQL Server Profiler, and you should see the MDX query in the captured events. Look for the QueryBegin or QueryEnd event to find the exact MDX query that Excel used to retrieve the data.
Step 6: Copy the MDX Query
Once you’ve identified the correct event, you can copy the MDX query and paste it into a text editor or other tools for further use.
Explanation of an MDX Query
Once you have the MDX query, understanding its structure is important. Let’s break down a simple MDX query to explain its components:
SELECT
[Product].[Category].Members ON COLUMNS,
[Date].[Calendar Year].Members ON ROWS
FROM
[Sales]
WHERE
([Measures].[Sales Amount])- SELECT: Defines the data to retrieve. In this case, it’s selecting the members of the Product Category dimension for columns and the Calendar Year for rows.
- FROM: Specifies the OLAP cube, which in this case is the Sales cube.
- WHERE: Filters the data. Here, it’s filtering by Sales Amount.
MDX queries allow for highly detailed and complex data retrieval, which can be particularly useful in advanced data analysis scenarios.
Using the MDX Query for Custom Reports
Once you’ve extracted the MDX query, you can use it in other environments such as SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or custom reporting tools like Power BI. Here’s how you can use the query:
- Open SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).
- Connect to your Analysis Services server.
- Open a new MDX Query window.
- Paste the extracted MDX query into the window.
- Execute the query to view the results.
This can be useful for generating reports or further analyzing data beyond what Excel Pivot Tables offer.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Pivot Table Not Connected to OLAP Source
If your Pivot Table isn’t connected to an OLAP source, you won’t be able to extract an MDX query. You can solve this by ensuring that you’re connected to a valid OLAP cube via SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS).
SQL Server Profiler Not Capturing MDX Query
If SQL Server Profiler isn’t capturing the MDX query, double-check your connection settings and ensure that you’re monitoring the correct Analysis Services instance. Also, confirm that you’ve selected the appropriate events in the Events Selection tab.
MDX Query Returns No Results
If you run the extracted MDX query in SQL Server Management Studio or another tool and get no results, there may be filters or selections in the query that limit the data. Review the WHERE clause in the query to ensure it’s correctly specifying the dimensions and measures you want to analyze.
Advanced Use Cases for MDX Queries
While most users will simply want to view or modify the MDX query, there are several advanced use cases where these queries become highly valuable:
- Custom Data Analysis: MDX queries allow users to retrieve data from multiple dimensions and apply more complex filters than what is possible with Excel Pivot Tables.
- Integration with Other BI Tools: You can use the extracted MDX query in tools like Power BI, Tableau, or SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to create more sophisticated visualizations and reports.
- Performance Optimization: Understanding the MDX query can help identify performance bottlenecks when working with large OLAP cubes. Modifying the query can sometimes speed up data retrieval.
Final Thoughts
Extracting an MDX query from an Excel Pivot Table provides deeper insights into the data analysis process and offers flexibility for users who want to perform more complex data queries. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily retrieve and work with the MDX query used by Excel when interacting with OLAP cubes. Whether you’re performing custom reporting or optimizing performance, MDX queries offer a powerful toolset for advanced users.
FAQs
How do I check if my Excel Pivot Table is connected to an OLAP data source?
To check if your Pivot Table is connected to an OLAP data source, click on the Pivot Table, go to the PivotTable Analyze tab, and look for the OLAP Tools button. If it is visible, your table is connected to an OLAP data source.
Can I extract an MDX query from a standard Excel table?
No, MDX queries are only associated with Pivot Tables connected to OLAP data sources such as SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS). Standard Excel tables do not generate MDX queries.
How do I capture the MDX query from my Pivot Table?
To capture the MDX query, use SQL Server Profiler while refreshing the Pivot Table in Excel. The Profiler will capture the MDX query sent from Excel to the OLAP server.
Can I modify the extracted MDX query?
Yes, once you have extracted the MDX query, you can modify it to suit your needs and use it in tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS) or Power BI for custom reports.
What tools can I use to run an MDX query?
You can use tools like SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS), Power BI, or SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) to run and analyze MDX queries.
Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.