What causes AGGREGATION_POLICY_VIOLATION?

A query returns fewer rows in the GROUP BY result than the policy's minimum group size threshold. A developer ran an exploratory query that selects individual rows from a table protected by an aggregation policy. A BI tool issues ungrouped SQL queries against a view where an aggregation policy enforces GROUP BY minimum sizes. A JOIN operation reduced the effective group sizes below the threshold

How do I fix AGGREGATION_POLICY_VIOLATION?

Step 1: Identify which table has the aggregation policy: SELECT * FROM TABLE(INFORMATION_SCHEMA.POLICY_REFERENCES(REF_ENTITY_NAME=>' ')).. Step 2: Review the policy threshold — adjust the query to ensure each aggregated group meets or exceeds the minimum row count.. Step 3: For BI tool queries, configure the tool to always aggregate to a level that satisfies the minimum group size.. Step 4: If the policy is too restrictive for a legitimate use case, work with the data governance team to update the policy or create an exception role.. Step 5: For development, use a role that has POLICY_ADMIN privileges or is explicitly exempted from the aggregation policy.

Medium severitypermission

Power BI Refresh Error:
AGGREGATION_POLICY_VIOLATION

What does this error mean?

A query was rejected or returned no results because it did not meet the minimum aggregation threshold required by the aggregation policy applied to the queried table or view.

Common causes

1A query returns fewer rows in the GROUP BY result than the policy's minimum group size threshold
2A developer ran an exploratory query that selects individual rows from a table protected by an aggregation policy
3A BI tool issues ungrouped SQL queries against a view where an aggregation policy enforces GROUP BY minimum sizes
4A JOIN operation reduced the effective group sizes below the threshold

How to fix it

1Step 1: Identify which table has the aggregation policy: SELECT * FROM TABLE(INFORMATION_SCHEMA.POLICY_REFERENCES(REF_ENTITY_NAME=>'<table>')).
2Step 2: Review the policy threshold — adjust the query to ensure each aggregated group meets or exceeds the minimum row count.
3Step 3: For BI tool queries, configure the tool to always aggregate to a level that satisfies the minimum group size.
4Step 4: If the policy is too restrictive for a legitimate use case, work with the data governance team to update the policy or create an exception role.
5Step 5: For development, use a role that has POLICY_ADMIN privileges or is explicitly exempted from the aggregation policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Snowflake aggregation policy used for?

Aggregation policies enforce a minimum group size on query results to protect individual-level data privacy (a k-anonymity approach). They are typically used on tables containing personal or sensitive data to prevent re-identification.

Can I see which role is exempt from an aggregation policy?

Yes. The policy body defines exemption logic. Run DESCRIBE POLICY <name> to see the policy SQL and identify which roles or conditions bypass the minimum group size requirement.