How do I set up a Notion database?

Setting up a Notion database takes just 5-10 minutes for a basic configuration, making it one of the most accessible ways to organize your information and workflows. Whether you're tracking content ideas, managing projects, or building a personal knowledge base, databases serve as the flexible foundation that adapts to your specific needs. The process involves creating the structure, customizing properties, and setting up views that work for your particular use case.

Start by creating a new page in Notion and selecting "Table" from the options, or simply type "/database" to see all available formats. You'll need to choose between a full-page database that stands alone or an inline database embedded within an existing page. Full-page databases work better for comprehensive projects, while inline versions are perfect when you want your database to live alongside other content like notes or explanations.

The real power comes from customizing properties to match your workflow. Click the plus icon in your database header to add properties from 14 available types, including text, dates, select menus, checkboxes, and more complex options like formulas and relations. For a content calendar, you might add properties for status, publication date, author, and topic category. Each property type serves different purposes—select properties are great for standardized categories, while date properties enable calendar views of your data.

Views transform how you interact with your database, and this is where Notion really shines. Create multiple perspectives of the same data by adding views like Board for kanban-style project management, Calendar for time-based planning, or Gallery for visual content organization. Each view can have its own filters, sorting rules, and visible properties, letting you focus on exactly what matters for each task or context.

While Notion databases are incredibly flexible, they do have some limitations to consider. Performance can slow down with databases containing over 5,000-10,000 entries, and complex setups with multiple relations and formulas may require more maintenance. However, for most users, the benefits far outweigh these constraints. Start simple with your first database, add complexity gradually as you understand your needs better, and don't forget to use database templates to speed up entry creation and maintain consistency across your workspace.