What is a data cube?

In computing, a data cube is a multi dimensional array of data that allows for easier querying of data, and can often encompass very large data sets - think multiple-terabytes collections from multple data warehouses. For BI and FP&A a cube is a clean and organised data set that can be drilled into and sliced and diced to answer any financial or busines performance query easily.

Data cubes are made up of dimensions and measures. Dimensions include time, geography, or product, while measures include sales, profit, or quantity. The dimensions form the edges of the cube and the measures form the cells. This structure allows for aggregation and slicing of the data along any dimension.

Data cubes are optimized for fast and efficient analysis. They enable consolidating or aggregating relevant data into the cube and then drilling down, slicing and dicing, or pivoting data to view it from different angles.

Data cubes are typically grouped according to business function, containing data relevant to each function. For example, a data cube for a retail business might have dimensions for products, regions or stores, and date.