Top 20 Power BI Interview Questions

1. What is Power Bl and what are its key features?

Power BI is a business intelligence platform that allows you to connect to various data
sources, transform and analyze data, and create interactive reports and dashboards. Some
of its key features are:

- Range of attractive visualizations: Power BI offers a wide range of detailed and

attractive visualizations that can help you present your data in an engaging way. You can
also create custom visualizations with R and Python libraries

- Data compression and aggregation: Power BI can compress and aggregate large
datasets to improve performance and speed up queries. You can analyze datasets
containing over 100 million rows with Power BI

- Integration with other Microsoft products: Power BI can integrate seamlessly with other
Microsoft products such as Excel, SharePoint, Teams, Azure, and more. You can easily
import data from Excel, analyze it in Power BI, and share it with your team.

- Data security and governance: Power BI ensures your data is safe with industry-leading
data security features such as sensitivity labeling, end-to-end encryption, real-time access
monitoring, and row-level security. You can also apply your own encryption keys with bring
your own key (BYOK) feature.

2. How can I import data into Power Bl?

There are different ways to import data into Power BI, depending on the type and source of
your data. Some of the common methods are:

- Import Excel workbooks: You can import Excel workbooks that contain Power Query
queries and Power Pivot models into Power BI Desktop. To do this, select File > Import >
Power Query, Power Pivot, Power View from Power BI Desktop, and choose an Excel
workbook to import.

- Connect to online services: You can connect to various online services that you use,
such as Salesforce, Google Analytics, Facebook, etc., and import data from them. To do this,
select Get data > Services from the Power BI service, and choose an app from the list. You
might need to sign in to your account for the service.

- Connect to databases: You can connect to various databases, such as SQL Server,
Oracle, MySQL, etc., and import data from them. To do this, select Get data > Databases
from the Power BI service, and choose a database from the list. You might need to provide
connection details and credentials.

- Enter data directly: You can enter data directly into Power BI Desktop in the form of a new
table. To do this, select Enter data from the Home ribbon in Power BI Desktop, and enter or
paste your data into the table editor.
 3. What are the different types of data connections supported by Power Bl?

According to web search results, there are three main types of data connections in Power BI:
import, DirectQuery, and live connection¹. Here is a brief overview of each type:

- Import: This type copies the data from the data source into the Power BI dataset. The
imported data can be refreshed manually or on a schedule. This type allows for fast
performance and rich data modeling capabilities, but it also consumes more memory and
disk space and may not reflect the latest changes in the data source.

- DirectQuery: This type dynamically requests data from the data source using queries
generated by Power BI. The data is not stored in the Power BI dataset, but it reflects the
current state of the data source. This type allows for near real-time data analysis and
supports large volumes of data, but it also depends on the performance and availability of
the data source and has some limitations on data modeling and transformations.

- Live connection: This type connects a Power BI report to an existing Power BI dataset,
Azure Analysis Services database, or SQL Server Analysis Services database. The data is
not stored in the Power BI dataset, but it relies on the existing data model and calculations.
This type allows for reusing existing datasets and creating consistent reports across the
organization, but it also restricts the ability to modify or extend the data model and requires a
gateway for on-premises data sources.

4. How do I create visualizations in Power Bl?

To create visualizations in Power BI, you need to have a report with a dataset. You can
create a report by importing data from various sources, such as files, databases, online
services, etc., or by connecting to an existing dataset in the Power BI service.

Once you have a report, you can add visualizations to it by selecting fields from the Fields
pane. Power BI will automatically create a default visualization based on the type and
number of fields you select. You can change the type of visualization by selecting a different
icon from the Visualizations pane. You can also customize the appearance and properties of
your visualizations by using the options in the Format tab.

Power BI offers a wide range of visualization types, such as bar charts, line charts, pie
charts, maps, gauges, cards, etc. You can also create custom visuals using the Power BI
visuals SDK or download visuals from the Microsoft AppSource. Some of the visualization
types are also powered by artificial intelligence (AI), such as the decomposition tree and the
key influencers chart.

5. What is a measure in Power BI, and how do I create one?

A measure in Power BI is a calculation that you create using Data Analysis Expressions
(DAX) to analyze your data. A measure can be based on one or more columns from one or
more tables in your dataset. A measure can also use other measures as inputs. A measure
is always calculated in the context of the report or dashboard that you are viewing, and it
changes dynamically as you interact with your visuals.
To create a measure in Power BI Desktop, you can use one of the following methods:

- Automatic measures: Power BI Desktop automatically creates a measure for you when
you drag a numeric field onto a visualization. The default aggregation for the measure is
Sum, but you can change it to other types, such as Average, Count, Min, Max, etc., by using
the drop-down menu in the Values area of the Visualizations pane.

- Quick measures: Power BI Desktop provides a collection of ready-made measures that

you can select from dialog boxes. Quick measures cover some of the most common and
powerful calculations, such as running total, percentage of total, year-over-year change, etc.
To create a quick measure, right-click or select the ellipsis (...) next to any item in the Fields
pane, and choose New quick measure from the menu that appears.

- Custom measures: You can create your own measures by writing DAX formulas in Power
BI Desktop. To create a custom measure, select New Measure from the Calculations group
in the Home tab of the ribbon. A formula bar will appear where you can enter your DAX
expression and name your measure.

6. How can I filter and sort data in Power BI?

You can filter and sort data in Power BI to display only the relevant information and arrange it
in a specific order. There are different types of filters and sorting options that you can apply
to your data, depending on the level and scope of your report.

- Filtering data: You can filter data at the visual level, the page level, or the report level. You
can also use slicers and drillthrough filters to interactively filter data on your report. Filters
are applied to data after it is retrieved from the data source, and they affect how the data is
displayed in your visuals.

- Sorting data: You can sort data by one or more fields in a visual, such as a table or a
chart. You can also add interactive sort buttons to enable users to change the sort order of
rows or columns. Sorting data affects how the data is ordered in your visuals, but it does not
affect the calculations or aggregations².

To filter or sort data in Power BI Desktop, you can use the filter pane on the right side of the
report canvas. You can select a visual and choose a field to filter or sort by. You can also use
the drop-down menus or icons on the visual headers to access filtering and sorting options¹².

7. What are slicers and how can I use them in Power Bl?

Slicers are a type of visual that filters the other visuals on a report page based on your
selection. You can use slicers to display commonly used or important filters on the report
canvas for easier access. You can also see the current filtered state without having to open a
drop-down list¹.

To use slicers in Power BI Desktop, you can select the Slicer icon in the Visualizations pane
and drag a field from the Fields pane onto the slicer. You can then resize and format the
slicer as you like. You can also control which visuals are affected by the slicer by using the
Edit interactions option in the Format tab¹.
Power BI Desktop supports various types of slicers, such as:

- Basic slicers: These are slicers that display a list of values with checkboxes. You can
select one or more values to filter the data.

- Numeric range slicers: These are slicers that display a range of numeric values with
handles. You can drag the handles to adjust the range to filter the data.

- Relative date slicers: These are slicers that display a range of dates relative to the current
date. You can select a time unit and a number of units to filter the data.

- Relative time slicers: These are slicers that display a range of times relative to the current
time. You can select a time unit and a number of units to filter the data.

- Hierarchy slicers: These are slicers that display a hierarchy of fields with expand and
collapse buttons. You can drill down or up to filter the data at different levels.

- Image and shape slicers: These are slicers that display images or shapes instead of text
values. You can select one or more images or shapes to filter the data.

8. How can I create calculated columns and tables in Power BI?

Calculated columns and tables are ways to create new data based on Data Analysis
Expressions (DAX) formulas in Power BI Desktop. You can use them to extend your data
model with additional fields or tables that are not available in your data source.

- Calculated columns: A calculated column is a column that you add to an existing table in
your data model. The values in the column are calculated row by row using a DAX formula
that you define. For example, you can create a calculated column that combines the first and
last name of a customer into a full name column
.
- Calculated tables: A calculated table is a table that you create as a new table in your data
model. The rows and columns in the table are calculated using a DAX formula that you
define. For example, you can create a calculated table that unions or joins two existing
tables into one table².

To create a calculated column or table in Power BI Desktop, you can use the New Column or
New Table option in the Home tab of the ribbon. You can then enter your DAX formula in the
formula bar and name your column or table. You can also use the Modeling tab of the ribbon
to format and categorize your column or table.

9. What are the different types of visualizations available in Power Bl?

Visualizations are graphical representations of your data that help you to explore, analyze,
and communicate insights. Power BI offers a variety of visualization types that you can use
in your reports and dashboards. Some of the common visualization types are:
- Column and bar charts: These are charts that display data using vertical or horizontal
bars. They are useful for comparing values across categories or showing trends over time.

- Line charts: These are charts that display data using lines that connect data points. They
are useful for showing changes or trends over time or across categories.

- Pie and donut charts: These are charts that display data using circular segments. They
are useful for showing proportions or percentages of a whole.

- Maps: These are visualizations that display data using geographical locations. They are
useful for showing spatial patterns or relationships.

- Matrix and table: These are visualizations that display data using rows and columns. They
are useful for showing detailed or tabular data.

- Cards and KPIs: These are visualizations that display single values or metrics. They are
useful for showing key facts or indicators.

- Slicers: These are visualizations that allow you to filter other visuals on the report page
based on your selection. They are useful for displaying commonly used or important filters
on the report canvas.

- Decomposition tree: This is an AI visualization that allows you to explore data across
multiple dimensions. It automatically aggregates data and enables drilling down into your
dimensions in any order.

- Key influencers: This is an AI visualization that allows you to analyze what factors
influence a key metric. It shows the top factors that have the most positive or negative
impact on the metric.

- Smart narrative: This is a visualization that generates natural language summaries of your
data based on your visuals. It helps you to create dynamic and interactive narratives for your
reports.

10. How can I create relationships between multiple tables in Power Bl?
Relationships are connections between two or more tables in your data model that enable
you to analyze data from multiple sources together. Relationships are based on a common
column that exists in both tables, such as a product ID or a customer ID. Relationships allow
you to create accurate calculations and display correct information in your reports.

To create relationships between tables in Power BI Desktop, you can use one of the
following methods:

- Autodetect during load: Power BI Desktop automatically detects and creates

relationships for you when you import data from multiple tables at the same time. It looks at
the column names and values to determine if there are any potential matches. If there are, it
creates the relationships and sets the options for cardinality, cross filter direction, and active
status.
- Autodetect after load: You can also use the autodetect feature after you have loaded data
from multiple tables. On the Modeling tab, select Manage relationships > Autodetect. Power
BI Desktop will scan your tables and create any relationships it finds.

- Manual creation: You can also create relationships manually by using the Manage
relationships dialog box. On the Modeling tab, select Manage relationships > New. In the
Create relationship dialog box, select the two tables and the columns you want to use for the
relationship. You can also configure the options for cardinality, cross filter direction, and
active status.

You can view and edit your relationships in the Relationship view of Power BI Desktop. You
can also use Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) functions to modify or override the default
behavior of relationships in your calculations.

11. How do I create and use bookmarks in Power Bl?

Bookmarks are a feature that allows you to capture the current state of a report page,
including the filters, slicers, visuals, and so on. You can use bookmarks to save your
insights, build stories, or create navigation experiences in Power BI.

To create and use bookmarks in Power BI Desktop, you need to follow these steps:

- On the View tab, select Bookmarks to open the Bookmarks pane.

- Configure a report page as you want it to appear in the bookmark.
- Select Add from the Bookmarks pane to add a bookmark. You can rename, delete, or
update a bookmark by selecting More options (...) next to the bookmark's name.
- To display a bookmark, select it in the Bookmarks pane. You can also use the Previous
and Next buttons to navigate through your bookmarks.
- To create a navigation experience, you can assign bookmarks to buttons or shapes on
your report page. To do this, select a button or shape and go to the Action tab in the
Visualizations pane. Turn on Action and select Type as Bookmark. Then select the
bookmark you want to assign from the Bookmark drop-down list.

12. What is the Power Bl service and how does it differ from Power Bl Desktop?

The Power BI service is a cloud-based service that allows you to share, collaborate, and
distribute your Power BI reports and dashboards with others. You can also connect to data
sources, create apps, analyze and explore your data, and more in the Power BI service.

Power BI Desktop is a desktop application that you can download and install for free on
your local computer. Power BI Desktop is a complete data analysis and report creation tool
that you can use to connect to, transform, visualize, and analyze your data. You can also
create custom visuals, measures, and calculations using Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)
in Power BI Desktop.

The main difference between Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service is that Power BI
Desktop is used for creating and editing reports, while the Power BI service is used for
sharing and consuming reports. You can publish your reports from Power BI Desktop to the
Power BI service, where you can create dashboards, apps, bookmarks, and more. You can
also edit your reports in the Power BI service, but with some limitations.

13. How can I schedule data refresh in Power BI?

Data refresh in Power BI is the process of updating the data in your datasets to reflect
changes in the underlying data sources. Data refresh can be scheduled or triggered on
demand, depending on the type and source of your data.

To schedule data refresh in Power BI, you need to follow these steps:

1- Make sure your dataset is configured to use a gateway connection and data source
credentials. A gateway is a software that facilitates data transfer between Power BI and your
data sources. You can use either a personal gateway or an on-premises data gateway,
depending on your scenario.

2- In the Power BI service, under Datasets, select a dataset and then select Refresh >
Schedule refresh. This will open the Schedule refresh page, where you can configure the
refresh options.

3- On the Schedule refresh page, turn on Keep your data up to date. You can then specify
the frequency (daily or weekly), the time zone, and the time slots for the refresh. You can
also set an email notification for refresh failures or successes.

4- Select Apply to save your settings. Your dataset will be refreshed according to your
schedule. You can also manually trigger a refresh by selecting Refresh now.

14. Can I share my Power Bl reports with others? If so, how?

Yes, you can share your Power BI reports with others. There are different ways to do that,
depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some of the options:

- You can use the Share button at the top of a report or dashboard to send a link to your
coworkers or external users. They will need a Power BI Pro or Premium Per User license to
view the shared content, unless it is in a Premium capacity. You can also manage the
permissions and settings of the shared link.

- You can collaborate with your coworkers in workspace, where you can co-own and
manage your reports and dashboards. You can assign different roles and permissions to
your team members, such as Admin, Member, Contributor, or Viewer. You can also create
apps from your workspaces and distribute them to a larger audience.

- You can publish your report to the web, where anyone with the link can view it without
signing in to Power BI. This option is suitable for public or non-sensitive data, as it does not
provide any security or control over who can access it.

- You can embed your report in a secure portal or a public website, such as SharePoint
Online, Microsoft Teams, or your own site. This option requires some coding skills and may
involve additional costs. You can also use Power BI Embedded to create custom
applications with embedded reports.

15. How can I use Power Bl to create dashboards?

To create dashboards in Power BI, you need to use the Power BI service, not Power BI
Desktop or the mobile apps. You can create dashboards from existing reports, datasets, or
from scratch. Here are some of the steps¹²:

- To create a dashboard from a report, open the report and select the pin icon on the
visualization you want to add to the dashboard. You can choose to pin it to an existing or a
new dashboard. You can also pin an entire report page to a dashboard.

- To create a dashboard from a dataset, select Create > Dashboard from the navigation
pane. Then, select the dataset you want to use and start adding tiles to your dashboard.
Tiles can be charts, images, text boxes, videos, or web content.

- To create a dashboard from scratch, select Create > Dashboard from the navigation pane.
Then, enter a name for your dashboard and start adding tiles. You can use the Q&A feature
to ask questions about your data and get answers in the form of charts or tables.

16. What is the Power Query Editor, and how can I use it in Power BI?

The Power Query Editor is a tool that allows you to connect to various data sources, shape
and transform the data according to your needs, and load it into Power BI Desktop. You can
use the Power Query Editor to perform tasks such as:

- Filtering, sorting, grouping, pivoting, or aggregating data

- Merging or appending data from multiple sources
- Splitting, formatting, or replacing text values
- Adding calculated columns or measures
- Applying conditional logic or custom functions

You can access the Power Query Editor from the Transform data button on the Home tab of
Power BI Desktop.

The Power Query Editor has a ribbon with different tabs and commands, a left pane that
shows the queries in your model, a center pane that displays the data and previews the
transformations, and a right pane that shows the query settings and applied steps. You can
also use the Advanced Editor to write or edit queries using the Power Query M formula
language.

17. How can I create calculated measures using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)
in Power Bl?
Calculated measures are dynamic calculations that are performed on the data in your model
based on the current context of your report or visualization.
You can use Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) to create your own measures in Power BI
Desktop. DAX is a formula language that uses many of the same functions, operators, and
syntax as Excel formulas.

To create a calculated measure using DAX in Power BI Desktop, follow these steps:

- In the Report view, select New measure from the Home tab of the ribbon.

- In the formula bar, enter a name for your measure, followed by a colon and an equal sign.
For example: Total Sales:=

- Enter a DAX expression that defines the calculation for your measure. You can use various
functions, operators, and constants in your expression. For example:
Total Sales:=SUM(Sales[SalesAmount])

- Press Enter to save your measure. The measure appears in the **Fields** pane under the
table you selected, with a calculator icon next to it.

- You can drag and drop your measure onto the report canvas or the Values area of the
Visualizations pane to use it in your report. You can also modify or delete your measure by
right-clicking on it in the Fields pane.

18. What is the Power Bl mobile app, and how can I use it?

The Power BI mobile app is an application that allows you to access and interact with your
Power BI dashboards and reports on your mobile device¹²³. You can use the Power BI
mobile app to:

- View live Power BI dashboards and reports from various sources, such as Power BI
service, SQL Server Reporting Services, or Power BI Report Server
- Filter, sort, highlight, or drill through your data to get more insights
- Annotate and share your reports and dashboards with your team
- Scan QR codes or barcodes to get instant access to related reports
- Set data alerts and get push notifications when your data changes
- Use natural language to ask questions about your data

You can download the Power BI mobile app for free from the App Store, Google Play, or
Windows Store¹³. You will need a Power BI account to sign in and access your content. You
can also use Microsoft Intune to manage and secure your mobile devices and applications.

19. Can I embed Power Bl reports and dashboards in other applications?

Yes, you can Embed Power BI reports and dashboards in other applications, such as web
portals, websites, or custom applications. There are different ways to do that, depending on
your needs and preferences. Here are some of the options:
- You can use the Publish to web option to generate an embed code that you can paste into
your application. This option is suitable for public or non-sensitive data, as it does not
provide any security or control over who can access it.

- You can use the Embed option to generate a secure embed code that requires
authentication and respects the permissions and data security of your Power BI content.
This option is suitable for internal web portals that accept a URL or an iframe.

- You can use the Power BI JavaScript SDK with the dashboard embedding API to embed
dashboards in your application. This option requires some coding skills and allows you to
customize the user experience and interact with the embedded content.

- You can use the Power BI Embedded service to create custom applications with
embedded reports and dashboards. This option requires a Power BI Embedded capacity
and allows you to scale up or down as needed.

20. What are some best practices for designing efficient and user-friendly Power
Bl reports?

Designing efficient and user-friendly Power BI reports is an important skill that can help you
communicate your data insights effectively and professionally. There are many best
practices and tips that you can follow to improve your report design, such as:

- Consider your audience and their needs. What are the key metrics and messages that
they care about? How do they use the report? How do they read and interpret the data?

- Tell a story on one screen. Avoid clutter and unnecessary information. Use a clear and
consistent layout, with the most important information at the top left corner. Use titles,
subtitles, and labels to guide the reader's attention.

- Use the right visualization for the data. Choose the chart type that best suits your data
and your message. Avoid using too many different chart types or colors. Use visual cues
such as size, shape, or icons to highlight important information.

- Apply design principles such as simplicity, alignment, contrast, and repetition. Use white
space, grids, and borders to create a clean and organized look. Use fonts, colors, and
themes that are easy to read and match your brand identity. Use the same style and format
for similar elements.

- Optimize your report performance by reducing the number of visuals, filters, and
calculations. Use aggregations, summarizations, and slicers to limit the amount of data that
is displayed. Use bookmarks, drill-throughs, and tooltips to provide additional details on
demand.

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Thanks for read.

🔗
Created by Fabio Marçolia
https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiomarcolia/