Database Relations
A property linking entries across Notion databases, creating bidirectional connections for dynamic, relational data modeling and insights.
Definition
Database Relations in Notion are a specialized property type that connects individual records between two different databases. When you add a Relation property, you select a target database, then link one or multiple entries to each record in your current database. Notion automatically creates a mirror relation in the target database, enabling two-way navigation. By establishing relations, you can build relational data structures similar to those in traditional databases. This lets you tie tasks to projects, customers to orders, or content pieces to campaigns. Coupled with Rollup (Aggregation) properties, relations unlock powerful insights by pulling in key fields from connected records.
Usage & Context
Use Database Relations whenever you need to connect related data across separate tables in Notion. For example, link a “Projects” database to a “Tasks” database so each project record shows its associated tasks. You can click through these links to navigate between related items quickly. In practical workflows, relations often pair with filters and views. Create a filtered view in your “Tasks” table to show only tasks linked to the current project. Or build dashboards that roll up budget totals from related expense entries. Relations turn flat lists into interconnected, contextual dashboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I create a relation between two databases?
- Open the database where you want the link, click “+” to add a new property, choose “Relation,” then select the target database. You can link one or multiple records per entry.
- Can I link the same two databases more than once?
- Yes. You can create multiple Relation properties between the same databases to represent different types of connections (e.g., “Assigned To” vs. “Reviewed By”).
- Are relations one-way or bidirectional?
- Notion automatically creates a mirrored relation in the target database, so connections are bidirectional by default. You can rename either side independently.
- How many records can I link via a relation?
- You can link as many records as you need in each Relation property. If you need to limit it to a single record, toggle off “Allow multiple selections” in the property settings.
Benefits
Database Relations let you design richer, more flexible data models in Notion. They transform isolated tables into interconnected systems, streamline navigation between related entries, and power Rollup analytics for real-time insights.
Related Terms
Aggregation
Feature that calculates summary values—sums, averages, counts, and more—across database entries, giving quick insights at the bottom of any view.
Database
A Database in Notion is a collection of structured pages with customizable properties and flexible views. Organize and track tasks, notes, projects, or any data dynamically.
Custom Properties
User-defined database fields in Notion that let you capture and structure data with tailored property types.
GitHub Integration
Connect Notion with GitHub to sync commits, issues, and pull requests directly in your workspace for unified project tracking and collaboration.
Knowledge Base
A centralized repository in Notion for organizing and sharing documentation, resources, and best practices across teams.
Person
A database property to assign workspace members or guests to items, showing avatars and names for clear ownership, responsibility, and collaboration.
Relation
A Relation property in Notion links records between databases, letting you connect and view associated items across tables for richer, interlinked workflows.
Conclusion
Relations form the backbone of advanced Notion workflows, turning simple tables into dynamic, relational databases. By linking records across tables, teams gain context, improve data integrity, and unlock deeper analytics—all within Notion’s intuitive interface.
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