Metabase Native SQL — Examples & 2025 Guide

In today's data-driven landscape, Metabase stands out for its user-friendly approach to business intelligence. But sometimes, point-and-click dashboards are not enough. That's where Metabase native SQL comes in. It unlocks the full power of your database by letting you write custom queries, automate reports, and build advanced dashboards.

Yet, even proficient analysts can find SQL time-consuming, especially across multiple databases. This is where AI2sql transforms your workflow: it turns natural language into optimized, Metabase-ready SQL, saving experts and beginners hours each week.

What is Metabase Native SQL?

Metabase native SQL lets you write complex queries with full SQL syntax directly in Metabase’s editor. Unlike visual queries, native SQL gives you:

• Advanced filtering, JOINs, window functions, subqueries

• Precise data transformations and business logic

• Parameterization for user-driven dashboards

Whether you’re generating cohort analyses, revenue breakdowns, or auditing data, native SQL gives you total control.

How Does AI2sql Simplify Native SQL in Metabase?

With AI2sql, simply describe your data question (“Show sales growth by region, last 12 months”), select your database (Postgres, MySQL, etc.), and get production-ready SQL formatted for Metabase in seconds — even for complex tasks. No coding required.

Real-World Metabase Native SQL Examples

1. Revenue by Product Category (Last 6 Months)

SELECT category, SUM(amount) AS total_revenue
FROM sales
WHERE sale_date >= DATE_TRUNC('month', CURRENT_DATE) - INTERVAL '5 months'
GROUP BY category
ORDER BY total_revenue DESC;

2. Monthly Active Users Trend

SELECT DATE_TRUNC('month', login_time) AS month,
       COUNT(DISTINCT user_id) as monthly_active_users
FROM user_logins
GROUP BY month
ORDER BY month;

3. Dashboard Parameter Example (Filter by Region)

SELECT region, COUNT(order_id) as orders
FROM orders
WHERE region = {{region}}
GROUP BY region;

Generate SQL for Metabase native SQL instantly with AI2sql — no technical expertise required.

Best Practices for Metabase Native SQL

• Use parameters: Add template tags (e.g., {{date_range}}) for flexible dashboard filters.

• Test for performance: Ensure your queries are efficient — indexes, LIMITs, and correct JOINs help.

• Version control: Save and document your native queries for collaboration.

• Security: Restrict data exposure through Metabase user permissions, not just the query.

Mini Benchmark: Query Authoring Speed

Getting Started: Step-by-Step

1. Describe your analytics question in plain English.

2. Paste it into AI2sql and select your database.

3. Copy the generated query directly into Metabase’s native SQL editor.

4. Add parameters and adjust as needed.

5. Save and visualize instantly!

Want to master advanced techniques? Explore the Metabase Native SQL Tutorial and hands-on examples to deepen your expertise.

Conclusion

Metabase native SQL supercharges your analytics, providing granular insights and advanced reporting. Yet writing SQL for every scenario can be challenging and time-consuming. With AI2sql, generate robust, error-free queries instantly — powering custom dashboards, audits, and enterprise-grade reports. Trusted by 50,000+ developers, analysts, and teams worldwide, AI2sql delivers results regardless of your SQL skill level. Save hours every week and accelerate data-driven decision-making.

Try AI2sql Metabase Native SQL Generator now and unlock true productivity.