Power BI DAX Essentials

In this introductory video, instructor Ali Noorani outlines the course's approach, focusing on problem-solving with DAX. He emphasizes the importance of understanding key DAX concepts and theory, which will be covered initially, to support practical application later. Participants are encouraged to engage actively, take notes, and prepare for continuous learning.

In this video, Ali Noorani delves into the fundamentals of data modeling, focusing on the connections between datasets and their relationships. He explains the concepts of fact and dimension tables, illustrating how they interact within Power BI. The session also covers key principles such as aggregation and cardinality, helping participants build a solid foundation in data modeling.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the basics of data modeling and its significance.
• Differentiate between fact and dimension tables.
• Learn the principles of data aggregation in Power BI.
• Grasp the concept of high and low cardinality in data modeling.

This video covers the key differences between using columns and measures for calculations in Power BI. It explains how columns perform row-by-row calculations, while measures are more suited for aggregated data. Understanding these concepts helps avoid common errors, especially in scenarios involving complex calculations.
Learning Outcomes:
• Differentiate between the use of columns and measures in calculations.
• Recognize the importance of using measures for accurate data aggregation.
• Understand how row-by-row calculations differ from aggregated calculations.
• Learn strategies to ensure accurate calculations and reporting.

In this video, Ali Noorani dives into the concept of filter context, a critical component in Power BI and DAX. He explains how filter context impacts data evaluation and the various sources from which it can originate, such as visuals, slicers, page-level filters, and DAX functions. The video highlights the role of the CALCULATE function in modifying filter context, providing a foundational understanding of how to manipulate and control data presentation effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the concept and significance of filter context in Power BI.
• Identify various sources of filter context within a Power BI report.
• Learn how filter context can be modified using DAX functions like CALCULATE.
• Gain insights into the sequence of execution and hierarchy of filter contexts.

The trainer introduces the "Golden Thinking" method, a systematic approach to deconstructing and understanding calculations in Power BI. By following a step-by-step process, participants learn how to trace filter context and evaluate expressions, helping them to handle both simple and complex data scenarios effectively.
Learning Outcomes:
• Master the "Golden Thinking" sequence for analyzing calculations.
• Develop skills to trace filter context propagation in data models.
• Understand how to apply the same analytical steps to both simple and complex examples.
• Build confidence in reverse engineering calculations for better data insights.

In this video, Ali Noorani explores the key differences between columns and measures in Power BI, particularly focusing on how each handles calculations. He demonstrates common pitfalls when using calculated columns for percentage and ratio calculations, highlighting the importance of using measures to ensure accurate results. Ali provides insights into why measures, which aggregate data, are more suitable for visual-level calculations than columns that perform row-by-row iterations.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understand the difference between calculated columns and measures in Power BI.
• Learn why percentage and ratio calculations can fail when using calculated columns.
• Recognize the importance of sequence in operations for accurate data visualization.
• Gain insights into using measures to perform aggregations at the visual level.

This video provides a hands-on demonstration of creating measures in Power BI, emphasizing the use of iterator functions to achieve row-by-row calculations. It contrasts the use of calculated measures with columns, particularly when dealing with operations that require multiplication or aggregation. The discussion also touches on common misconceptions and challenges users face when deciding between using measures or columns.
Learning Outcomes:
• Learn how to create basic measures for revenue calculations.
• Understand the use of iterator functions for row-by-row operations.
• Differentiate between calculated columns and measures for various calculation needs.
• Gain clarity on common calculation challenges and how to address them effectively in Power BI.

This video marks the start of the hands-on segment, focusing on building basic measures using a provided exercise file. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the data model and creating simple aggregation measures, which serve as foundational building blocks for more complex calculations later. Participants are guided through setting up these basic measures and understanding their role in the broader data model.
Learning Outcomes:
• Gain familiarity with the exercise file and data model.
• Learn how to create basic aggregation measures, such as sum and count distinct.
• Understand the significance of creating foundational measures for future complex calculations.
• Develop skills in using initial filter context to evaluate expressions and troubleshoot formulas.

This segment explores instances where columns might be more suitable than measures, despite the general preference for measures due to their performance benefits. It highlights specific use cases, such as when columns are needed for slicers, sorting data, or handling categorical fields in visuals. Understanding these situations helps participants make informed decisions about using columns effectively in their data models.
Learning Outcomes:
• Recognize the unique scenarios where columns are necessary over measures.
• Learn how to implement columns for sorting and categorizing within a data model.
• Understand the importance of columns in enabling slicers and visual filters.
• Develop skills to manage and display text and categorical data effectively.

This video provides a wrap-up of the session, offering participants an opportunity to ask questions and clarify any confusion, particularly around sorting techniques within Power BI. The discussion touches on sorting data in tables versus visuals and how understanding these differences is key for accurate data representation. The instructor reassures participants about the pace and emphasizes the importance of using familiar methods like matrices for data validation before moving to more complex visualizations.
Learning Outcomes:
• Clarify any doubts regarding the session content and sorting techniques.
• Learn the difference between sorting in table views versus sorting in visuals.
• Understand the importance of using matrices for initial data validation.
• Appreciate the logical progression of learning and how repetition aids understanding.

In this session, we won't introduce any new concepts. Instead, we'll focus on practical functions to reinforce previously discussed ideas, helping to bridge any gaps and provide clarity. By revisiting these topics repeatedly, the terminology and practices will start to become more intuitive and ingrained.
Learning Outcomes:
• Review of Data Models: Understanding the distinction and purpose of fact tables and dimension tables.
• Importance of Aggregation: How to calculate and aggregate key metrics like total revenue and total profit.
• Cardinality Concepts: Differentiating between high cardinality numerical columns and low cardinality categorical columns.
• Application of Slicing and Dicing: Using dimension tables to break down data into meaningful segments.
Open your Power BI file from yesterday's session, and let's dive deeper into these essential concepts to make them more practical and applicable.

In this session, we dive straight into problem-solving using Power BI, focusing on practical applications to help solidify the concepts discussed previously. We will explore the Calculate function, an essential tool for creating dynamic measures, and use a hands-on approach to understand its role in Power BI's "golden thinking circle."
Learning Outcomes:
• Hands-On Problem Solving: Participants will directly apply Power BI functions to real-world scenarios, reinforcing their understanding through practical examples.
• Deep Dive into the Calculate Function: Understand the importance of the Calculate function and how it can be utilized to manipulate and filter data effectively.
• Effective Measure Management: Learn how to manage and utilize multiple measures within your data model, including strategies to ensure they do not unintentionally influence other visuals or calculations.
• Building Measures Like Lego Blocks: Discover the concept of using measures as building blocks, enabling you to create complex calculations from simpler, foundational measures.
• Practical Tips for Organizing Power BI Reports: Guidance on naming pages and organizing your report for easy navigation and understanding.
Open your Power BI file from the last session, and let's jump into this interactive learning experience to enhance your problem-solving skills with Power BI.

In this session, we continue with practical problem-solving in Power BI, focusing specifically on calculating the percentage of global sales. We'll explore common pitfalls and best practices for using measures and filters effectively to achieve accurate and insightful results.
Learning Outcomes:
• Calculating Global and Group Sales: Understand how to set up measures to calculate global sales and compare them with specific group sales, such as country-based sales.
• Avoiding Common Mistakes: Learn about the common errors made when using the REMOVEFILTERS function, particularly when removing the wrong filters, which can lead to inaccurate results.
• Using Filters Correctly: Gain insights into how to use filters and measures to isolate specific data groups while keeping other filters intact to get the correct group sales figures.
• Practical Examples and Troubleshooting: Follow along with practical examples that demonstrate how to troubleshoot issues related to filtering and calculation errors in Power BI.
• Hands-On Practice: Participants are encouraged to open a new Power BI page for each problem and rename it accordingly for better organization and future reference.
By the end of this session, you'll have a clear understanding of how to calculate the percentage of global sales, maintain accurate filtering, and avoid common pitfalls. Join us as we enhance our Power BI skills through these practical examples.

In this session, we explore advanced calculation techniques using Power BI's CALCULATE function, focusing on dynamic filtering to achieve specific business insights. We'll demonstrate how to create measures that efficiently calculate percentages of sales, identify high-value customers, and manage data complexity without overwhelming the data model.
Learning Outcomes:
• Utilizing the CALCULATE Function: Learn how to use the CALCULATE function to perform complex calculations, such as finding the percentage of sales attributed to specific countries or high-value customers.
• Dynamic Filtering: Understand how to apply conditions dynamically using the FILTER function to refine results, such as identifying customers who have spent over $1,000.
• Optimizing Data Models: Discover best practices for avoiding unnecessary physical tables in your data model, which can lead to increased memory usage and reduced performance.
• Performance Considerations: Gain insights into the performance implications of using iterative filtering versus creating static tables, and learn how to strike a balance between functionality and efficiency.
• Practical Applications: Follow step-by-step examples to apply these techniques to real-world scenarios, enhancing your Power BI reports with more powerful and insightful measures.
By the end of this session, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to use advanced DAX functions to solve complex business problems and optimize your Power BI models for better performance and scalability.

In this session, we explore how to calculate total sales from recurring customers using Power BI, focusing on practical applications and the conceptual understanding of DAX functions. We’ll define what constitutes a recurring customer, demonstrate how to apply filters effectively, and explain the benefits of using virtual tables for calculations.
Learning Outcomes:
• Defining Recurring Customers: Learn how to identify recurring customers by setting criteria, such as those who have made more than one purchase and calculating total sales from these customers.
• Using the CALCULATE and FILTER Functions: Discover how to use CALCULATE and FILTER together to isolate sales data from recurring customers and calculate percentage sales from these high-value customer segments.
• Creating and Using Virtual Tables: Understand the concept of creating temporary, virtual tables within Power BI to test and refine your calculations without affecting the overall data model.
• Optimizing Performance: Learn the importance of avoiding unnecessary physical tables in your data model to optimize memory usage and improve performance, and when it’s appropriate to use virtual tables for calculations.
• Conceptual Understanding: Gain insights into the thought process behind using DAX functions for complex data analysis tasks, which will help in building a robust analytical mindset.
• Practical Applications and Real-World Scenarios: See practical examples of how these techniques can be applied to real-world scenarios, enhancing your Power BI reports' depth and analytical capabilities.
By the end of this session, you'll have a solid understanding of how to calculate total sales from recurring customers, use DAX functions effectively, and apply these concepts to your own Power BI projects.

In this session, we tackle the challenge of calculating the year-on-year repeat rate for customers in Power BI. We will discuss how to set up filters and use DAX functions to dynamically calculate the repeat rate, and explore the concept of using slicers to create more interactive and adaptable reports.
Learning Outcomes:
• Calculating Year-on-Year Repeat Rate: Learn how to define and calculate the year-on-year repeat rate of customers using DAX. Understand the criteria for identifying recurring customers and how to set the initial filter context based on fiscal years.
• Defining Recurring Customers: Understand how to define a recurring customer (e.g., a customer who has made more than one purchase) and calculate total sales from these customers to measure business performance effectively.
• Dynamic Filtering with Slicers: Explore the use of slicers to dynamically adjust calculations based on user selections, such as calculating the percentage of sales by country. This approach makes your reports more interactive and user-friendly.
• Practical Use of CALCULATE and FILTER: See practical examples of how these DAX functions can be used to handle complex business requirements, such as dynamically calculating sales based on different customer behaviors.
• Handling New and Existing Customers: Learn how to differentiate between new and recurring customers and apply this understanding to create meaningful business insights.
• Conceptual Understanding and Troubleshooting: Gain a conceptual understanding of how these techniques can be applied to solve complex problems and how to troubleshoot common issues that may arise during implementation.
By the end of this session, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to calculate the year-on-year repeat rate, utilize dynamic filtering, and enhance your Power BI reports with more advanced and interactive capabilities.

This video provides a detailed explanation of creating and utilizing a calendar table in Power BI. The presenter shares insights on various fiscal year setups, showcases a method for building a calendar table using DAX, and provides useful formulas for generating necessary columns. The video also discusses handling different fiscal year requirements and offers additional resources for more advanced code.
Key Learning Points:
• How to create a calendar table in Power BI using DAX formulas.
• Adding common columns like year, quarter, and financial year to the table.
• Understanding fiscal year variations for US and Australian reporting.
• Introduction to an advanced 1577-line DAX code for complete calendar tables, sourced from SQLBI.

In this session, Ali Noorani focuses on the importance of calendar tables in Power BI and how they can be efficiently created and utilized to enhance data analysis. We’ll explore a predefined calendar table code that includes commonly used columns and understand how to customize and apply it across different Power BI files.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understanding Calendar Tables: Learn the importance of calendar tables in Power BI for managing and analyzing date-related data. Understand why having a properly structured calendar table is crucial for accurate time-based calculations.
• Creating a Calendar Table: Follow along as Ali Noorani demonstrates how to create a calendar table using a predefined formula. See how to implement this in Power BI to automatically generate necessary date columns such as year, month, and quarter.
• Code Sharing and Usage: Understand the provided code's logic and purpose before implementing it yourself. This approach ensures that you grasp the concept without getting bogged down by the coding process.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Learn why using CALENDARAUTO might sometimes result in undesirable outcomes, such as generating excessively broad date ranges. Ali discusses how to handle dates correctly, especially when dealing with datasets containing date-of-birth fields or historical data.
• Practical Application: Gain insights from Ali on how you can move and adapt this calendar table formula across different Power BI files, making it a reusable component in your Power BI projects.
By the end of this session, you will be equipped with the knowledge to create and customize calendar tables in Power BI, ensuring accurate and efficient time-based data analysis across various projects.

In this session, Ali Noorani delves into the importance of time intelligence functions in Power BI, focusing on how businesses can leverage these functions to analyze performance over different periods, particularly in light of recent disruptions like COVID-19 and inflation. We also explore practical examples of calculating time differences and how to implement these techniques effectively in Power BI.
Learning Outcomes:
• Year-over-Year Comparison: Learn how to use time intelligence functions to compare business performance across different years. Understand how these comparisons can provide insights into how current metrics stack up against pre-COVID levels or other critical periods.
• Using DATEDIFF Function: Discover how to use the DATEDIFF function to calculate the difference between two date-time values, which is useful for tracking metrics such as order processing times and shipment durations.
• Dynamic Time Shifting: Explore how to implement dynamic shifting of time periods (e.g., two months back or two years back) in your Power BI reports to understand trends and patterns over time.
• Conditional Formatting Based on Time: Understand how to set up conditional formatting using time functions to categorize and highlight specific time-based conditions, such as identifying orders processed within a specific timeframe.
• Sharing Code and Templates: Ali Noorani shares practical templates and code snippets, including a calendar table and time intelligence formulas, to help you quickly implement these techniques in your Power BI projects.
• Interactive Learning: Engage with practical examples, such as analyzing moving averages and exploring how these can help track business performance over time.
By the end of this session, you will have a strong grasp of how to use time intelligence functions in Power BI to gain insights into year-over-year performance and handle various date-time scenarios effectively.

In this session, Ali Noorani discusses the varying demand for different Power BI skills and the future focus areas in data training. Ali highlights the rising interest in geospatial data and optimization techniques, while acknowledging the limited demand for paginated reports and complex M language training. The session also touches upon logistical considerations for booking and attending training sessions.
Learning Outcomes:
• Market Demand for Power BI Skills: Understand the current market demand for specific Power BI skills, such as geospatial data analysis and route optimization, versus lower-demand areas like paginated reports and complex M language scripting.
• Geospatial Data Opportunities: Learn about the potential applications of geospatial data analysis in Power BI, including using heat maps to visualize business locations and optimizing routes for operations.
• Training Schedule and Planning: Get insights into the scheduling of upcoming training sessions, including online and in-person options. Ali Noorani provides guidance on how to book a re-sit and the likelihood of course availability.
• Networking and Continuous Learning: Discover the importance of staying connected with trainers and peers for ongoing learning and support. Ali encourages participants to reach out on LinkedIn and stay updated with the latest features and techniques in Power BI.
By the end of this session, you will have a clear understanding of the evolving landscape of Power BI training and how to plan your learning journey effectively to match market demand and personal interests.

As we wrap up the Power BI course, Ali Noorani emphasizes the importance of feedback and staying connected. This session serves as a conclusion to the intensive training, inviting participants to share their thoughts on the course and explore further learning opportunities in the Power BI space.
Learning Outcomes:
• Importance of Feedback: Understand why feedback is crucial for continuous improvement and how your insights can help enhance future training sessions.
• Course Reflection: Reflect on the past two days of training, considering the practical value and any areas where the course could improve to better meet your needs.
• Networking and Continued Learning: Learn about opportunities to stay connected with Ali Noorani on LinkedIn, where you can receive updates on new Power BI features and insights. Ali encourages ongoing interaction and support in your Power BI learning journey.
• Stay in Touch: Understand the value of maintaining professional connections and keeping the conversation going beyond the classroom environment.
Please take a moment to provide your feedback—it won't take more than five minutes. Your input is invaluable, and staying connected ensures continuous learning and growth in the ever-evolving field of Power BI.