MetricFlow
MetricFlow: A code-first metric compiler for dbt teams that need reusable, warehouse-specific SQL. Ranked #22 of 28 in Semantic Layer Software by our editors (7.2/10); pricing: Open source; best for developers needing an open-source metric compiler.
At a glance
- Editor score7.2 / 10
- PricingOpen source
- Best forDevelopers needing an open-source metric compiler
- Paid fromFree
- Founded2016 · Oakland, California, USA
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Defines metrics, dimensions, and relationships in code
- Supports multi-hop joins, ratios, expressions, and cumulative metrics
- Renders optimized SQL for multiple warehouse dialects
Where it doesn't
- Requires a working dbt project and adapter
- Self-hosted deployment requires infrastructure management
- It is a compiler library, not a hosted analytics service
Our verdict on MetricFlow
MetricFlow is an open-source semantic layer from dbt Labs for data teams that want to define metrics in code and turn metric requests into reusable SQL. It models dimensions and relationships, supports grouping by dimensions, entities, and time, and applies filters, ordering, limits, and time constraints. Developers working within a dbt project can use it to keep metric definitions close to their data models while generating SQL for supported warehouse dialects.
Its standout capability is metric compilation. MetricFlow can generate optimized, engine-specific SQL and support multi-hop joins between fact and dimension sources. The metric model covers ratio, expression, and cumulative metrics, along with aggregation across time granularities. That combination gives developers a structured way to express more than simple aggregations, particularly when metric logic must be reused across queries and connected through multiple relationships.
MetricFlow’s trade-off is its narrow, self-hosted scope. It is distributed as a Python package and requires a working dbt project and adapter, so teams must provide and maintain the surrounding environment. It is a compiler and SQL-rendering library rather than a hosted analytics service. Choose MetricFlow when code-defined metrics, dbt alignment, and warehouse-specific SQL generation are priorities; consider another option if you want a managed semantic layer or an integrated analytics application.
Your product? Our editors can test MetricFlow in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MetricFlow pricing
MetricFlow fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Governed metrics | Not verified |
| Dimensions and joins | Yes |
| Row-level security | Not verified |
| Certified models | Not verified |
| Query API | Not verified |
| Deployment model | Self_hosted |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Open source |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to MetricFlow
- CubeA governed semantic layer for teams building internal and embedded analytics.9.4
- AtScaleA strong fit for enterprise teams standardizing governed metrics across BI and AI.9.3
- GoodDataA strong fit for teams building governed, embedded analytics across multiple data sources.9.1
See all MetricFlow alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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