What's installed on your Metabase server?
- Metabase Open Source 0.65, from the official Docker image
- A separate PostgreSQL 17 database that stores your questions and dashboards
- Interface set to Turkish, with the time zone on Istanbul
- A memory setting that gives Java up to 60 percent of your RAM
- Usage reporting to Metabase switched off
- HTTPS through Caddy on an sslip.io address based on your IP, so a domain is optional
- Firewall with only ports 22, 80 and 443 open
What size do you need for Metabase?
Metabase's own guide says one core and 2 GB of RAM should be more than enough for solo users or small teams, and machines with 4 to 8 GB should handle hundreds of users. Its rough sum is about 1 core and 1 GB of RAM for every 20 people using it at once, and it suggests scaling up when the server sits above 80 percent. Query load falls on the database you connect. When you add RAM from your panel, Java's limit rises by itself because it's set as a percentage.
| Use | Size | Price | Choose |
|---|---|---|---|
| A few people | 2 GB RAM · 1 vCore · 40 GB NVMe | $4.01/mo | |
| Small team | 4 GB RAM · 2 vCore · 60 GB NVMe | $6.89/mo | |
| Company | 8 GB RAM · 4 vCore · 120 GB NVMe | $13.62/mo |
Who is it for?
- Teams that want reports by writing SQL or just by clicking
- Companies that want MySQL, PostgreSQL or SQL Server data on dashboards
- Small businesses watching sales, stock and finance figures on one screen
- Software teams that won't send their data to an outside reporting service
What happens after you order?
- Set the size and complete your payment.
- Your server starts and Metabase installs itself. The first start can take a little longer, so wait for the App row to say Metabase is ready.
- On the Overview tab, click Open app and log in with the Email and Password rows. There's no setup wizard.
- Update your email address and password in your profile. The install uses a placeholder address.
- Under Admin > Databases, add your own database, using a separate read-only user for the connection.
- Ask your first question and save the result to a dashboard.
With every server
- Daily backups included in the price
- Unlimited traffic
- Full root access
- Scale RAM and CPU up or down later, and grow the disk
- Location: Istanbul · IST-1.
Good to know
- This is the free Open Source edition. Row and column permissions, SSO and white labelling sit in the paid Pro and Enterprise plans, which aren't included in the price.
- The Open Source edition is licensed under the AGPL. If you embed dashboards in your product, the AGPL or Metabase's embedding licence applies, and removing the Powered by Metabase logo needs a commercial licence.
- If your database lives on another server, Metabase needs a way in: allow your server's IP address on that database, or use Metabase's SSH tunnel option.
- Outgoing email isn't set up. For alerts, dashboard subscriptions and password resets, enter your own SMTP service under Admin > Settings > Email. The service isn't included in the price.
- The install stays on version 0.65.3 until you move it. To update, which is your responsibility, put the new tag in compose.yaml and run docker compose up -d.
Metabase questions and answers
How much RAM does Metabase need?
Metabase's guide says one core and 2 GB of RAM should be more than enough for small teams, and 4 to 8 GB should handle hundreds of users. As a rough sum, allow 1 core and 1 GB of RAM for every 20 people using it at once.
Which databases can Metabase connect to?
Official drivers include PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, SQL Server, Oracle, MongoDB, SQLite, ClickHouse, BigQuery, Snowflake and Redshift. Community drivers cover systems that aren't on the list.
Is Metabase free, and how many users can I add?
The Open Source edition in this install is free, and Metabase's pricing page lists it with unlimited users. Features such as row and column permissions and SSO need a paid Pro or Enterprise licence.
Will Metabase change the data in my database?
Not if you connect it with a read-only user, which Metabase's documentation recommends for the main connection. Actions, editable tables and CSV uploads do need write access, and those should use a separate connection.
Can I use Metabase without knowing SQL?
Yes. You can build questions by clicking, choosing filters, groupings and chart types on screen. If you know SQL, you can write queries in the same product and add the results to a dashboard.
How do I connect my own domain to Metabase?
Point the A record at your server's IP address and add the name to the Caddy settings. Then change SITE_URL in the .env file and run docker compose up -d, because Metabase uses that address in email and sharing links.