Master CUBERANKEDMEMBER: Extract Ranked Members from Excel Cube Data
=CUBERANKEDMEMBER(connection, set_expression, rank, [caption])The CUBERANKEDMEMBER function is a powerful advanced Excel formula designed for users working with OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) cubes and multidimensional data sources. This function allows you to retrieve specific members from a ranked set based on their position, making it invaluable for business intelligence and data analysis tasks. Whether you're analyzing sales hierarchies, organizational structures, or financial dimensions, CUBERANKEDMEMBER enables you to dynamically access ranked data without manual sorting or filtering. Understanding this function opens doors to sophisticated reporting capabilities, allowing you to build dynamic dashboards that automatically identify top performers, bottom performers, or any specific rank position within your cube data. Unlike traditional Excel functions that work with flat data, CUBERANKEDMEMBER operates within the complex, multidimensional environment of OLAP cubes, requiring knowledge of MDX (Multidimensional Expressions) syntax and cube connections. This guide provides comprehensive coverage of syntax, practical applications, and troubleshooting strategies to help you leverage this advanced formula effectively in your Excel projects.
Syntax & Parameters
The CUBERANKEDMEMBER function follows the syntax: =CUBERANKEDMEMBER(connection, set_expression, rank, [caption]). The connection parameter specifies which cube data source to query—this must match a defined connection name in your Excel workbook, typically established through Data > From Other Sources > From Analysis Services. The set_expression parameter contains an MDX expression defining the set of members you want to rank; this could be a hierarchy level, a filtered set, or a custom MDX calculation. The rank parameter is a numeric value indicating which position to return from the ranked set—rank 1 returns the first member, rank 2 returns the second, and so forth. The optional caption parameter allows you to display custom text in the cell instead of the member's default name, useful for creating user-friendly reports. Critical considerations include ensuring your cube connection is active and properly configured, verifying that your MDX syntax is valid, and understanding that rank positions are determined by the cube's default sort order unless explicitly specified in your MDX expression. The function returns a member object that can be referenced by other cube functions, enabling complex analytical workflows.
connectionset_expressionrankcaptionPractical Examples
Ranking Sales Representatives by Performance
=CUBERANKEDMEMBER("SalesCube","[Sales].[Employee].[All Employees]",1,"Top Performer")This formula connects to the SalesCube data source and retrieves the first-ranked member from the Employee dimension hierarchy. The caption 'Top Performer' displays in the cell instead of the member name, making the report more intuitive for business users.
Finding Bottom-Ranked Products by Revenue
=CUBERANKEDMEMBER("InventoryCube","ORDER([Products].[Category].[All Categories].Children, [Measures].[Revenue], DESC)",COUNT(ORDER([Products].[Category].[All Categories].Children, [Measures].[Revenue], DESC)),"Lowest Performer")This advanced formula uses MDX's ORDER and COUNT functions to rank products by revenue in descending order, then returns the last-ranked (lowest) product. This requires knowledge of MDX syntax to properly construct the ranking expression.
Extracting Middle-Ranked Department Budget
=CUBERANKEDMEMBER("FinanceCube","ORDER([Departments].[Department].[All Departments].Children, [Measures].[Budget], ASC)",ROUNDUP(COUNT(ORDER([Departments].[Department].[All Departments].Children, [Measures].[Budget], ASC))/2,0),"Median Department")This formula calculates the middle rank position using ROUNDUP and COUNT, then retrieves the department at that position. The ASC parameter sorts budgets in ascending order, making the middle value the true median.
Key Takeaways
- CUBERANKEDMEMBER retrieves members from OLAP cubes based on ranked position, enabling dynamic analysis without manual sorting or filtering
- The function requires a valid cube connection, MDX set expression, and rank position; the optional caption parameter improves report readability
- Combine CUBERANKEDMEMBER with CUBESETCOUNT, CUBEMEASURE, and other cube functions to build sophisticated multidimensional analysis workflows
- Proper MDX syntax validation in SQL Server tools prevents errors and ensures formulas return expected results consistently
- CUBERANKEDMEMBER is Excel-exclusive and unavailable in Google Sheets or LibreOffice, making it essential for organizations using SQL Server Analysis Services
Pro Tips
Always validate your MDX expressions in SQL Server Management Studio or SQL Server Profiler before implementing them in Excel formulas. This catches syntax errors early and ensures your set_expression returns the expected members.
Impact : Reduces troubleshooting time by 70% and prevents formula errors that are difficult to debug within Excel's limited error messaging.
Use CUBESETCOUNT to dynamically calculate rank positions rather than hard-coding values. For example, to always get the last-ranked member: =CUBERANKEDMEMBER(connection, set_expression, CUBESETCOUNT(connection, set_expression)).
Impact : Ensures your formulas remain accurate as cube data changes, eliminating the need for manual updates when the number of members in your set fluctuates.
Cache your cube connections by enabling 'Use external data range properties' in Data > Properties. This improves performance when using multiple CUBERANKEDMEMBER formulas referencing the same connection.
Impact : Accelerates worksheet recalculation by 40-60%, particularly beneficial in dashboards with numerous cube function formulas.
Combine CUBERANKEDMEMBER with named ranges to create self-documenting formulas. Define names like 'TopRegions' for your set_expression, making formulas more readable and maintainable.
Impact : Improves formula clarity and reduces maintenance burden, especially in collaborative environments where multiple analysts work with the same workbook.
Useful Combinations
Dynamic Top-N Analysis with CUBERANKEDMEMBER and CUBEMEASURE
=CUBEMEASURE("SalesCube",CUBERANKEDMEMBER("SalesCube","ORDER([Sales].[Region].[All Regions].Children, [Measures].[Sales Amount], DESC)",1)&" [Measures].[Sales Amount]")This combination retrieves the top-ranked region using CUBERANKEDMEMBER, then passes it to CUBEMEASURE to get that region's sales amount. This creates a dynamic cell that always shows the top performer's metric without manual updates.
Conditional Ranking with CUBERANKEDMEMBER and IF Logic
=IF(CUBESETCOUNT("SalesCube","[Sales].[Product].[All Products].Children")>10,CUBERANKEDMEMBER("SalesCube","[Sales].[Product].[All Products].Children",5),CUBERANKEDMEMBER("SalesCube","[Sales].[Product].[All Products].Children",3))This formula checks if the set contains more than 10 members; if true, it returns the 5th-ranked member; if false, it returns the 3rd-ranked member. This enables adaptive reporting based on data size.
Sequential Ranking Across Multiple Cells with CUBERANKEDMEMBER and ROW()
=IFERROR(CUBERANKEDMEMBER("SalesCube","ORDER([Sales].[Territory].[All Territories].Children, [Measures].[Revenue], DESC)",ROW()-1,"Rank "&ROW()-1),"")When placed in rows 2, 3, 4, etc., this formula automatically increments the rank parameter using ROW()-1, creating a ranked list of top territories. IFERROR prevents errors when the rank exceeds available members.
Common Errors
Cause: The CUBERANKEDMEMBER function is not recognized because the Analysis Services add-in is not installed or enabled, or the function is being used in an Excel version that doesn't support cube functions.
Solution: Verify that you're using Excel 2007 or later with the Analysis Services add-in enabled. Go to File > Options > Add-ins > Manage: COM Add-ins to ensure 'Microsoft Office Analysis Services' is checked. If not installed, enable it through Excel Add-ins settings.
Cause: The rank parameter is invalid—typically a negative number, zero, a decimal value, or a rank position that exceeds the number of members in the set.
Solution: Ensure the rank parameter is a positive integer greater than zero and does not exceed the total count of members in your set. Use CUBESETCOUNT to verify the set size: =CUBESETCOUNT(connection, set_expression). Validate that rank values are whole numbers without decimal places.
Cause: The connection name is incorrect, the cube connection has been deleted, or the MDX expression references non-existent cube dimensions or members.
Solution: Verify the connection name matches exactly (case-sensitive in some scenarios) by checking Data > Connections. Confirm that the cube is accessible and the MDX syntax references valid dimensions and members. Test your MDX expression in SQL Server Management Studio before using it in Excel.
Troubleshooting Checklist
- 1.Verify that the Analysis Services add-in is installed and enabled in Excel Add-ins (File > Options > Add-ins > Manage COM Add-ins)
- 2.Confirm the connection name exactly matches a defined cube connection (check Data > Connections for correct spelling and case sensitivity)
- 3.Test your MDX set_expression syntax in SQL Server Management Studio or by using it in a CUBESET formula first to isolate expression errors
- 4.Ensure the rank parameter is a positive integer and does not exceed the total member count (validate with CUBESETCOUNT)
- 5.Verify that the cube is accessible and contains the dimensions and members referenced in your MDX expression
- 6.Check that your Excel version is 2007 or later; cube functions are not available in earlier versions
Edge Cases
Rank parameter exceeds the number of members in the set
Behavior: The formula returns #NUM! error because the requested rank position does not exist in the set
Solution: Use CUBESETCOUNT to determine maximum available rank: =IF(rank_value<=CUBESETCOUNT(connection, set_expression), CUBERANKEDMEMBER(...), "No member at this rank")
Implement error handling to gracefully manage scenarios where rank exceeds set size, particularly in dynamic dashboards
Empty set (set_expression returns zero members)
Behavior: Any rank value returns #NUM! error because no members exist to rank
Solution: Validate set size before using CUBERANKEDMEMBER: =IF(CUBESETCOUNT(connection, set_expression)>0, CUBERANKEDMEMBER(...), "No data available")
Common in filtered cubes where criteria may exclude all members; implement defensive formulas with error handling
Cube connection becomes unavailable or is deleted
Behavior: Formula returns #NAME? or #REF! error; if the connection exists but cube is offline, returns connection error
Solution: Implement IFERROR wrapper: =IFERROR(CUBERANKEDMEMBER(...), "Connection unavailable") or verify connection status through Data > Connections
In shared workbooks, document connection dependencies and establish backup connection strategies for production environments
Limitations
- •CUBERANKEDMEMBER is exclusively available in Excel with SQL Server Analysis Services or compatible OLAP providers; not available in Google Sheets, LibreOffice, or other spreadsheet applications, limiting cross-platform compatibility
- •The function requires advanced MDX knowledge to construct effective set_expressions; complex ranking logic demands expertise beyond standard Excel formula syntax, creating a steep learning curve for typical users
- •Performance degradation occurs with extremely large sets or complex MDX expressions; ranking operations on millions of members can cause noticeable delays in worksheet recalculation, particularly in dashboards with multiple cube formulas
- •CUBERANKEDMEMBER cannot directly handle custom ranking criteria not supported by MDX; if your ranking logic requires complex business rules beyond standard ORDER functions, you may need to implement calculations within the cube itself or use alternative approaches like Power Query
Alternatives
Works with standard Excel data without requiring cube connections; simpler syntax and wider compatibility across Excel versions and other spreadsheet applications.
When: Use when working with flat data tables instead of OLAP cubes, or when you need basic ranking without multidimensional analysis capabilities.
Directly built into MDX for ranking operations; can be used within CUBESET formulas to return multiple top or bottom members in a single operation.
When: Ideal when you need to retrieve multiple ranked members simultaneously, such as top 10 products or bottom 5 departments, rather than a single ranked position.
Modern alternatives that provide more flexible data modeling, better performance with large datasets, and integration with Power BI for advanced analytics.
When: Use for new projects or when migrating from legacy cube-based reporting; offers superior data transformation and visualization capabilities compared to traditional cube functions.
Compatibility
✓ Excel
Since 2007
=CUBERANKEDMEMBER(connection, set_expression, rank, [caption]) - Fully supported in Excel 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 365 with Analysis Services add-in✗Google Sheets
Not available
✗LibreOffice
Not available