Use a distribution metric to check the distribution of categories in a category column (i.e., a column with a relatively stable set of possible values) or the distribution of numerical values in a fact column (i.e., a column with significant variability), over time. To create one, begin at Create a metric, and choose Distribution at Step 1 (Metric Info).

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Don't create a distribution metric on an ID column.

Step 2 (Configure Metric)

After you finish Step 1 (Metric Info), Step 2 (Configure Metric) appears in the main form:

1. Under Select data asset, specify the column for your metric.
2. Under Configure metric, review the inherited settings and make any needed changes.

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• Select Override Settings to unlock the fields for editing.
• If the table you chose has partitions, Lightup detects them and displays relevant settings for them.
• If some settings are overridden and you decide that the metric should use the table's current settings, select Inherit Settings.
• For help deciding what values to use, see the list under Manage Table Settings.

3. If needed, set up seasonality.
4. To create a WHERE clause select Add + on the right margin beside Where clause. New fields appear under Where clause that you can use to specify the necessary condition. To delete a WHERE clause, use the waste bin icon beside it to the right.

5. Add any tags you want, then in the top right corner select Next to proceed to Step 3 (Preview).

Step 3 (Preview)

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Editing a metric

When you edit an existing metric:

• You'll see an option to view the metric's recent query history as well as a preview.
• The Create command changes to Save when you edit an existing metric

1. Select View sample data to see a sample set of rows from the data asset. Lightup returns 100 rows of data from the source table, including metadata. Select Stop Viewing when you're done.
2. Optionally, adjust the date range for the preview. If you adjust the range, you must pick a start date and an end date.
3. Select Preview to see a chart of the metric for the date range from the preceding step.

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Cancel a preview

Some datasources let you cancel a preview, for example because you noticed that date range was wrong. If cancelling is supported, you'll see a Cancel button.

4. After you're satisfied with the preview, select Create at the top right corner. The Explorer tab opens and displays your new metric in the Explorer tree.