Microsoft Power BI Advanced – Create Performance Measures with DAX

Data Modelling Basics

• Data storage versus data analysis
• Data model schemas and useful table structures
• Star Vs Snowflake schemas
• Model guidelines
• Date table guidelines

Overview of using DAX to create Performance Measures

• DAX Overview
• Formatting
• Types of calculations (table, column, measure)
• Data types and syntax
• Using DAX to calculate columns in Row Context
• Getting values from related tables using the RELATED function
• The DIVIDE function
• When calculated columns don’t work

Measures

• Overview and guidelines for creating measures
• Aggregator Functions – SUM, AVERAGE, etc
• Evaluation Contexts
• Using Row Context and Filter Context
• Creating a measures table
• Using measures instead of calculated columns
• Iterator functions – SUMX, AVERAGEX, etc
• Context transition
• Contexts, relationships and filter propagation
• Implicit Vs Explicit measures

Basic DAX Functions

• Common maths functions
• Date-times in DAX and common Date-time functions
• Common text functions
• Count functions

Table Functions

• Using the FILTER function
• Visualising table function results
• ALL and ALLECEPT
• VALUES and DISTINCT

Logical and Branching Functions

• The IF function
• AND, OR and NOT
• The SWITCH function
• The IFERROR function

The CALCULATE Function

• CALCULATE Overview
• CALCULATE and FILTER
• Conditions in CALCULATE

Time Intelligence Functions

• Overview of Time Intelligence functions
• Built-in time intelligence functions
• Creating … ToDate functions
• The DATEADD and PARALLELPERIOD functions
• Period comparison functions (eg Month on Month)
• DAX Variables

Parameter Tables

• Adding a ‘what if’ parameter
• Creating and using Parameter tables
• The SELECTEDVALUE function

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are Measures in Power BI?
Measures are calculations written in DAX that are evaluated dynamically based on filters and context. They are essential for KPIs, totals, time intelligence, and interactive reporting.

Q: Who should attend this Power BI DAX Measures course?

• Users who have completed Power BI Essentials
• Analysts who want to create accurate Power BI measures
• Anyone struggling with filter context or incorrect totals
• Professionals needing advanced DAX calculations for KPIs and reporting

Q: Is this course suitable after Power BI Essentials?
Yes. This course is designed specifically for users who understand Power BI basics and want to build advanced calculations using DAX measures.

Q: Will I learn CALCULATE and time intelligence?
Yes. The course covers CALCULATE, filter context, iterator functions, and time intelligence functions such as YTD, MTD, and period comparisons.

Q: Is this course practical or theoretical?
The course is hands‑on and practical, with real‑world examples focused on building performance measures for business reporting.

Get in touch

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To learn more about our Microsoft Power BI course or how we can support your data goals, please contact us today or give us a call on (08) 9218 9059.