Weight survey data — with honest bases

Make your sample representative: DataLion computes with weighting variables, reports weighted bases and weights to target distributions — right on the dataset, with no detour through SPSS.

Weighted crosstab showing weighted N in DataLion

DataLion weights survey data right on the dataset: with weighting variables, weighted bases (weighted N) and cell weighting to target distributions. Weights come from the main dataset or a separate weight table, and weighting can optionally recalculate on every filter — with no export to SPSS.

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Weighting too often ends up in SPSS

  • You export to SPSS, weight there — and re-export on every correction.
  • Weighted bases don’t show up cleanly in tables, so you recompute N by hand.
  • Analyze a subgroup and the weighting no longer fits — the base tips over.
  • Target distributions live in a separate file, away from the actual data.

Weighting variables and weighted N

DataLion computes with weighting variables and reports a weighted N everywhere — in crosstabs, charts and reports. You see at a glance which weighted base a value rests on.

Weights come from either the main dataset or a separate weight table joined by a key. No double prep, no parallel spreadsheet.

  • Weighting variables and weighted N across all analyses
  • Weights from the main dataset or a separate table
  • Weight table joined by a key
Table with a weighted base in DataLion

Cell weighting to target distributions

Bring your sample onto given target distributions with cell weighting: you set targets per cell — say age × gender or region — and DataLion weights the data to match.

Optionally you define your own target base the weights align to, so you decide which population the data is weighted against.

  • Cell weighting with per-cell targets (e.g. age × gender)
  • Optional target base as the reference for weighting
  • Aligned to your target distribution, not a fixed default
Weighted distribution as a stacked chart in DataLion

Flexible bases per question and category

Not every question shares the same base. In DataLion you define bases per question or category — and where needed an alternative, self-computed base via an expression like {{= COUNT(...) }}.

Filtering stays clean too: with SQL filters like {{ VAR IN (1,2,3) }} and OR filters you scope subgroups exactly, without touching the raw dataset.

  • Bases flexible per question or category
  • Alternative, self-computed base via {{= COUNT(...) }}
  • SQL filters {{ VAR IN (1,2,3) }} and OR filters for subgroups

Filter-driven recalculation

Optionally tie weighting to filters: when someone picks a subgroup in the dashboard, DataLion recalculates the bases automatically so the weighted analysis fits that subgroup.

The feature toggles per project, and a “Reset weights” button in the admin restores the original state. Available from release 2026.1.190.

  • Optionally tie weighting to filters
  • Bases recalculate automatically on subgroup selection
  • Admin “Reset weights” button
Filtered, re-weighted analysis in DataLion

See DataLion with your own data

Start a free trial or book a personal demo — from raw data to a finished dashboard.

We now work much more efficiently, giving us more time to take care of the derivations and insights from the data for the customers.
Jens Falkenau, Vice President of Market Research · Nielsen Sports
Read the case study →

More data preparation

Common questions about weighting

Can I weight survey data in DataLion?
Yes. DataLion computes with weighting variables and reports weighted bases (weighted N) in tables, charts and reports — flexibly per question or category and right on the dataset, with no export to SPSS.
Where do the weights come from?
Weights come from either the main dataset or a separate weight table joined by a key. That keeps weights and data separately maintainable, with no double prep.
Does DataLion support target weighting to set distributions?
Yes, via cell weighting: you set targets per cell — say age × gender or region — and optionally your own target base the weights align to.
Does weighting recalculate automatically on filtering?
Optionally yes. Tie weighting to filters and DataLion recalculates the bases when a subgroup is selected. An admin button resets the weights. Available from release 2026.1.190.
Can I set bases per question myself?
Yes. You define bases flexibly per question or category and can set an alternative, self-computed base via an expression like {{= COUNT(...) }}. SQL filters like {{ VAR IN (1,2,3) }} and OR filters scope subgroups exactly.

Weight right on the dataset — no export

Try DataLion free: weighting variables, weighted bases and target weighting in one tool. Or book a personal demo.