The potential number of data blocks is the maximum number of data blocks possible in the database.
If the database is already loaded, you can see the potential number of blocks on the Statistics tab of the Database Properties dialog box of Administration Services.
If the database is not already loaded, you must calculate the value.
To determine the potential number of data blocks, assume that data values exist for all combinations of stored members.
Using Table 245 as a worksheet, list each sparse dimension and its number of stored members. If more than seven sparse dimensions exist, list the dimensions elsewhere and include all sparse dimensions in the calculation.
The following types of members are not stored members:
Multiply the number of stored members of the first sparse dimension (line a.) by the number of stored members of the second sparse dimension (line b.) by the number of stored members of the third sparse dimension (line c.), and so on:
a * b * c * d * e * f * g (and so on) = potential number of blocks
Write the resulting value to the cell labeled DA in Table 244, Worksheet: List of Factors That Affect Disk Space Requirements of a Database.
The Sample.Basic database contains the following sparse dimensions: