Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the source in Metric Builder based on your reporting needs.
Option 1: Build Custom Metrics from With Aggregated Data Using API
✅ Ideal for quick answers and simple visualizations with minimal setup.
This is the most straightforward way to create custom metrics in Databox. It's a great plug-and-play solution for quick setup. However, these metrics are more static. If you want a different view or filter, you often need to edit or rebuild the metric.
Benefits:
Simple setup using dropdowns.
No dataset preparation required.
Great for one-off visualizations or quick answers.
Works well with most standard reporting use cases.
When to use this method?
You just need to apply a few filters or breakdowns.
You want to get started quickly.
You don’t need much flexibility beyond what’s available in the dropdown.
Option 2: Build Custom Metrics With Raw Data Using Datasets
✅ Best for advanced reporting needs that require full control over your data, calculations, and filtering.
This is where things get more powerful and more flexible. Instead of picking a pre-defined source, you first create a Dataset. Think of this as building your own custom data model, where you decide which fields and raw data you want to pull in. Then, you can use that Dataset to build highly tailored metrics.
Benefits:
Access raw data beyond standard metrics.
Drill down to row-level detail on Databoards.
Export data to CSV.
Query using a no-code SQL builder.
Use AI tools to build and analyze metrics.
Control dimensions, filters, and data grouping.
Merge multiple views or objects into one Dataset.
Create calculated columns from raw data.
Apply filters at the Dataset level for cleaner reporting.
Use advanced filtering with nested logic.
Use this method when:
You’re doing more advanced analytics and want to unlock drilldowns, calculations, and merging logic.
You need fields or filters not available in standard metric builders.
You want to simplify the metric-building process for your team by cleaning the data upstream.
You’re reporting across multiple objects or sources (e.g. Deals + Companies from HubSpot).
TL;DR - What’s Right for You?
Use Case
Choose Metric Builder with
Need a quick chart for a metric
Aggregated Data using API
Want to break down a metric by dimensions (e.g. Impressions by Campaign)
Aggregated Data using API
Need the ability to export your data
Raw Data Using Datasets
Want to clean/filter the data before building metrics
Raw Data Using Datasets
Reporting on merged data (e.g. Deals + Owners)
Raw Data Using Datasets
Want row-level drilldowns and more powerful visuals
Raw Data Using Datasets
Need to prep data once, then reuse it everywhere
Raw Data Using Datasets
The more complex your data needs, the more value you’ll get from building a Dataset first.
Need help building your first Dataset? Here’s a guide to get started.