---
title: "I have data in another system and want to query it there | Grafana Labs"
description: "Query MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar without moving the data"
---

> For a curated documentation index, see [llms.txt](/llms.txt). For the complete documentation index, see [llms-full.txt](/llms-full.txt).

Section 2 · Choose a starting point

Query MySQL, PostgreSQL, or similar without moving the data

Estimated time: 2 min

## I have data in another system and want to query it there

A system like MySQL or PostgreSQL already holds your data. You want to query it, not move it.

- You add a **data source**: A connection from Grafana Cloud to the place that holds data
- Grafana Cloud queries the data in place; nothing gets copied in
- Grafana Cloud has to reach that system over the network

## Considerations

- **Nothing new to install**: You configure a connection. The system that holds the data keeps running as it is.
- **No new storage cost**: The data isn’t copied into Grafana Cloud, so it doesn’t add to the usage Grafana Cloud bills for.
- **You write the queries**: Each data source has its own query editor and **query language**. For example, data that lives in MySQL is queried in SQL.
- **You build the dashboards**: This option doesn’t install any dashboards for you. Once the connection works, you run queries in **Explore**, the page where you query a data source, and then build a **dashboard** from the query results.
- **Data on a private network**: If Grafana Cloud can’t reach the system over the internet, configure [private data source connect](/docs/learning-paths/private-data-source-connect/), a private connection between Grafana Cloud and your network.

## Before you start

- A Grafana Cloud account: [sign up free](/signup/cloud/connect-account) if you don’t have one
- The **Admin** role in your Grafana Cloud stack. Only administrators can add data sources.
- A system Grafana Cloud can reach, for example MySQL or PostgreSQL

## Try it yourself

The guide below runs in your own Grafana Cloud stack. You add the data source, fill in its connection details, test it, and run a first query in **Explore**.

#### Connect a data source and query it

Complete this interactive guide directly in your Grafana Cloud stack with an interactive learning experience.

[Open in Grafana Cloud]()