Calculation views
Quick answer
Calculation views are consumed by SQL, reporting tools and applications.
Key takeaways
- A calculation view defines a data model, sources, joins, aggregations, calculated columns, filters, that HANA executes efficiently…
- Layer calculation views (reusable base views consumed by higher ones), push filters and aggregation down toward the sources…
- Dimension: master-data-like, for attributes/lookups.
- Watch out: Monolithic views instead of layered/reusable.
What a calculation view is
A calculation view defines a data model, sources, joins, aggregations, calculated columns, filters, that HANA executes efficiently in-engine. Modern HANA unifies the older attribute/analytic view types into calculation views, which can be built graphically (a flow of nodes) or with SQLScript for complex logic.
Dimension vs cube (data category)
- Dimension: master-data-like, for attributes/lookups.
- Cube (with star join): analytical, with measures and aggregation, for reporting.
Building well
Layer calculation views (reusable base views consumed by higher ones), push filters and aggregation down toward the sources, minimise expensive joins, and expose only needed columns. Good design keeps them fast and reusable; poor design (huge single views, late aggregation) makes them slow.
Consumption and CDS
Calculation views are consumed by SQL, reporting tools and applications. In the SAP application world, CDS views are often preferred for application data (they integrate with ABAP and generate optimised HANA execution), while calculation views serve broader native-HANA and data-warehouse scenarios.
Common pitfalls
- Monolithic views instead of layered/reusable.
- Late aggregation hurting performance.
- Exposing unnecessary columns/joins.
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Check your understanding
Which statement is true of Calculation views?
- A. User administration is the foundation of SAP security and operations: creating, maintaining and deactivating…
- B. Asset Accounting (AA) is the FI sub-ledger for managing fixed assets, from acquisition through depreciation…
- C. A calculation view defines a data model, sources, joins, aggregations, calculated columns, filters, that HANA…
Show answer
C. A calculation view defines a data model, sources, joins, aggregations, calculated columns, filters, that HANA…
Covered in the “What a calculation view is” section of this lesson.
Which of these also applies to Calculation views?
- A. Following steps without understanding the concept.
- B. Modern HANA unifies the older attribute/analytic view types into calculation views, which can be built…
- C. Guessing instead of using the reference tools.
Show answer
B. Modern HANA unifies the older attribute/analytic view types into calculation views, which can be built…
Covered in the “What a calculation view is” section of this lesson.
Which part of the Learn SAP curriculum covers Calculation views?
- A. SAP HANA
- B. SAP MM
- C. SAP troubleshooting
Show answer
A. SAP HANA
This lesson sits in the SAP HANA section of the Learn SAP course.