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Calculated fields in SQL Server Analysis connections
Posted September 19th, 2008 by jbrawlingsii
It seems that I have no option for creating calculated fields when attached to SSAS and yet I know that SSAS can perform calculations on measures. I also apparently do not have any options for ad-hoc grouping on a dimension. What options/workarounds do I have for working with these limitations?
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When you right-click in the Dimensions area you should see "Calculated Members", and when you right-click in the Measures area you should see "Create Calculated Field...".
You can create sets on a selection, and you can create a nested set from levels in dimension (but not multiple levels from one dimension). This is not ad-hoc grouping, but may be useful.
As James said, you can do this. You need to right click over a measure, or use the drop down menu near the Measures label in the schema viewer (screen shot 1). Once you have that, you can create a calculation based on other fields, functions and constants (screen shot 2). It's a good idea to check the formula before you are done. Finally, the new measure will often appear at the bottom of the list, so you may need to scroll to find it (screen show 3).
Tableau also lets you create calculated members from a drop down menu near the Dimensions label (screen shot 4). Calculated members on cubes requires that you create MDX expressions for the members, so I'll spare the gory details until someone requests it.
Austin
I'll add that you can learn more about creating calculated fields and members in the online help. Visit the Calculated Fields topic.