Extract Measures and other Metadata from Power BI Semantic Models Using DAX

In 2022, I wrote a popular post about how you can export your DAX measures using DAX Studio, along with other valuable Metadata from Power BI Semantic Models. This is great way to get metadata about your model and allows you to export and store it in e.g. excel format. In December 2023, Power BI … Read more

Using variables in DAX

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Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) is a powerful language used in Power BI to create complex calculations and data analysis. One of the key features of DAX is the ability to use variables, which can significantly enhance the efficiency and readability of your code. This article explores the benefits of using variables in DAX, provides examples, … Read more

Top tips to speed up your Power BI DirectQuery semantic models

This post is aimed towards Power BI DirectQuery semantic models. However, a lot of the information in this post is also viable for import mode semantic models. This is a short summary with the purpose of giving you an overview of some important areas that can impact the performance of your Power BI DirectQuery semantic … Read more

Optimizing Power BI: A Practical Guide to DirectQuery Performance – Part 3

Welcome back to part 3 in a series of articles where you will learn how to improve and optimize the performance of your Power BI DirectQuery semantic models.In part 1 we covered the basic aspects of DirectQuery semantic models in Power BI, such as the importance of star schema modeling in Power BI and how … Read more

Mastering DirectQuery in Power BI: A Deep Dive into Performance Optimization – Part 2

In the first part of this series, we explored the essentials of Power BI’s DirectQuery mode. We discussed its core components and initial steps towards optimization. We touched on the topic of formula engine and the storage engine in Power BI, the importance of a well-structured data source, and the basics of optimizing Power BI … Read more

Exploring the model pane in Power BI Desktop: A Hands-on guide

❕ Note – The new model explorer is currently in preview as part of Power BI Desktop October 2023 release. To enable the preview feature go to File -> Options and settings -> Options -> Preview features and enable “Model explorer and Calculation group authoring” The Model Pane feature is showcased here as part of … Read more

Comparing Import vs DirectQuery Storage Modes in Power BI

When building semantic models in Power BI, you have different options on how to connect and store the data in your models. There are two main Power BI storage modes to choose from when querying data from your data source. These are import mode and DirectQuery mode. Import mode in Power BI allows you to … Read more

Finding the Highest and Lowest Values Across Many Columns in Power BI using DAX

When working with data in Power BI, sometimes you need to find the highest (maximum) and lowest (minimum) values across several columns. This task is straightforward in programs like Excel where you can just use the MAX and MIN functions with multiple arguments like so: MAX(columnA, columnB, columnC). However, in Power BI, using DAX (Data … Read more

Dimensional modeling for Power BI: The purpose of data modeling

Wonder what the number one most important skill is when building Power BI semantic models? Or if Kimball data modeling is still relevant? Then you have come to the right place. Data modeling techniques and methodologies are a common discussion topic when working on BI or data warehouse projects. There are multiple practices of data … Read more