A method and mechanism for performing an operation based on multidimensional data in a relational database. A first query is submitted to a relational database engine of the relational database management system, thereby causing a relational cube to be generated. The first query includes instructions to select a portion of multidimensional data for inclusion in the relational cube. The first query includes instructions to group the selected portion of multidimensional data using at least two or more levels of granularity of at least one dimension. The first query also includes instructions to generate a materialized view. Based on a received request for an operation, a second query is submitted to the relational database engine for execution against the relational cube, thereby causing the operation to be performed.