How Do I Connect to a Data Cube via Excel?


The purpose of this page is to explain how to connect to a data cube with Microsoft Excel. This can be done in one of two ways:

Tip: If you have issues connecting to the cube, refer to Troubleshooting Data Cube Connection Errors.

Connect with a Template or Base Workbook

A template is an Excel Workbook with an established connection to a specific cube. Additionally, it already has a pivot table (which is what allows you to work with the cube) and it has been populated with one measure.

  1. Refer to the Templates/Base Workbooks section of the following resource pages for available templates:
  2. Do one of the following:
    If... Then...
    A template is available...
    1. Click a template in the Templates/Base Workbooks section of the applicable resource page. This will download the template to your computer.
      A screenshot of a cube resource page that highlights the Templates/Base Workbooks section.
    2. Open the Excel file and click Enable Editing.
      A screenshot of an Excel template with the "Enable Editing" highlighted.
    3. Click Enable Content.
      A screenshot of an Excel workbook with the "Enable Content" button highlighted.
    4. Display the Data tab, and then click Refresh All.
      A screenshot of Excel with the Data tab and Refresh All button highlighted.
      Tip: Make sure to Refresh All each time you use the cube to ensure you're always working with the latest data.
    5. Start exploring the data!
    A template is not available... Follow the steps under Connect with a Blank Workbook below.

Connect with a Blank Workbook

  1. Open Microsoft Excel and start a new blank workbook.
  2. Display the Data Connection Wizard:
    If using... Then...
    Excel 2016

    Select the Data tab, then From Other Sources, and then From Analysis Services. 

    A screenshot where the following selections are highlighted: "Data" tab, "From Other Services" button, and "From Analysis Services" selection.
    Selecting "From Analysis Services" in Excel 2016
    Excel 365

    Select the Data tab, then Get Data, then From Database, and then From Analysis Services.

    A screenshot where the following selections are highlighted: "Data" tab, "Get Data" button, "From Database" selection, and "From Analysis Services" selection.
    Selecting "From Analysis Services" in Excel 365
  3. Populate the Connect to Database Server window as follows then click Next.
    Field Description
    Server Name Enter cubes.uw.edu
    Log on credentials

    Select Use Windows Authentication. If prompted for a user name/password:

    • User Name: Enter netid\your UW NetID
    • Password: Enter your password. 
  4. Select the cube:
    If using... Then...
    Excel 2016 From the database dropdown, select the applicable cube, then select Model, and then click Finish.
    Excel 365 From the database dropdown, select the applicable cube, and then click Finish.
        
  5. Select where you want the table to be located on the worksheet (for example, cell A1) and then click OK. You are now connected to the cube.
    Note: You only need to perform these connection steps once per cube. To access this connection when opening a new workbook, select the Data tab, and then click Existing Connections.