What is ELT?
ELT stands for extract, load, transform. It's a data process that pulls data from sources, loads it into a data warehouse as is, and then transforms it inside the warehouse. It's common with modern cloud warehouses.
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How ELT works
First, data is extracted from sources such as ad platforms and your CRM. Next, it's loaded into the warehouse in close to its original form.
Finally, transformations run inside the warehouse, usually with SQL. They clean the data, join tables, and build the views your reports use.
How ELT differs from ETL
In ETL, data is transformed before it reaches the warehouse. In ELT, the raw data lands first and gets transformed afterward.
That order keeps the original data available, so you can rerun or change transformations later without pulling from the source again.
When ELT fits
ELT suits teams with a cloud warehouse that can handle heavy processing. It's less suited to cases where sensitive fields must be removed before the data is stored.
Common questions
What does ELT stand for?
ELT stands for extract, load, transform, the order in which the steps happen.
Is ELT better than ETL?
Neither is better in every case. ELT is flexible and common with cloud warehouses, while ETL can be a better fit when data must be filtered or masked before storage.
Where does the transformation happen in ELT?
Inside the data warehouse itself, typically using SQL.
Do marketers need to understand ELT?
A basic grasp helps when working with analysts or data tools, since it affects how fresh your data is and who can change the logic.
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