Defining Sub-Cube Scope Based Upon A Query

Technologies are described herein for defining the scope of a sub-cube based upon a database query. A request is received to perform a query of a multi-dimensional database, such as a cube, stored at a server computer. In response to the request, the scope for a sub-portion, called a sub-cube, of the multi-dimensional database is determined based upon the query. The scope of the sub-cube may be determined by identifying the minimum sub-portion of the cube necessary to perform the query. Once the scope has been determined, the sub-cube is generated at the server computer and transmitted to a client computer. The client computer stores the sub-cube locally and performs the requested database query on the sub-cube stored at the client computer. A user interface may be provided through which a user can modify the scope of the sub-cube determined based upon the query.