Power BI Table of Contents

This cheat sheet provides a quick reference for

DAX Functions DAX Operators Data Interaction
essential Power BI features and functionalities,
helping you analyze data, create interactive reports,
CALCULATE
SWITCH
Addition (+)
Power BI Workflows

and design insightful dashboards with ease. It covers

SUM
FORMAT
Subtraction (-)
Connect to Data

a wide range of categories, including data

interaction, transformation, modeling, analytics, AVERAGE
VALUES
Multiplication (*)
Data Transformation

visualization, and workspace, ensuring you have the TOTALYTD

EARLIER
Division (/)
Publish Reports

tools needed to perform tasks from basic data LASTDATE

ALLEXCEPT
Exponentiation (^)
Manage Data Sources
exploration to advanced scenario modeling.
PATH
FILTER
Concatenation (&)

USERELATIONSHIP
Equal To (=)

ALL
Data Modeling
Each entry includes clear syntax and concise CALENDAR
Not Equal To (<>)

HASONEVALUE

explanations, paired with practical examples to

CALENDARAUTO
MAX
Greater Than (>)
View Model Layout

demonstrate how the feature operates in real-world

scenarios. Whether you’re writing DAX formulas, RELATED
MIN
Less Than (<)
Create Relationships

transforming or designing semantic models, or CONCATENATE

COUNTROWS
Greater Than or Equal (>=)
Autodetect Relationships

creating advanced visualizations, this cheat sheet DIVIDE

SUMMARIZE
Less Than or Equal (<=)
Mark a Table as a Date Table

simplifies Power BI’s robust capabilities.

IF
LOOKUPVALUE
Logical AND (&&)
Create DAX Measures

DISTINCTCOUNT
ISBLANK
Logical OR (||)
Create DAX Calculated Columns

Designed to be accessible and actionable, this RANKX Logical NOT (NOT)

Hierarchies in Dimension Tables

ROUND
resource is perfect for professionals, students, and
INCLUSION (IN)
Manage Cardinality

business analysts looking to improve their efficiency

Parenthesis (())
Flatten Hierarchies

and confidence in Power BI. Keep it handy for quick

guidance on Power BI’s versatile functionality. Table Constructor ({})
Performance Optimization

Equality for Relationships (=) Aggregation Columns

Bidirectional Cross-Filtering

Create Quick Measures

Concatenate Columns

Circular Relationship Detection

Use Aggregation Manager

Power BI Cheat Sheet
Table of Contents
Power BI Visuals and Analytics Transform Data in Power BI Workspaces and Security

Add Visuals
Clustering
Promote Headers
Merge Queries
Create a Workspace

Tooltips
Top N Analysis
Rename Queries
Duplicate Columns
Assign Workspace Roles

Conditional Formatting
Histograms and Bell Curves
Rename Columns
Transpose Data
Deployment Pipelines

Add Slicer
Analyze Feature
Replace Values
Fill Down/Up
Lineage View

Sorting Data
AI Insights
Remove Rows
Change Column Data Type
Usage Metrics

Filters
Key Influencers Visual
Remove Blank Rows
Find Anomalies
Sensitivity Labels

Background and Borders

Decomposition Tree
Remove Columns
Modify M Code
Scheduled Refresh

Drillthrough
Q&A Visual
Remove Duplicates
Add Conditional Columns
Promote and Certify Datasets

Bookmarks
Statistical Summary
Pivot Columns
Combine Files Implement Row-Level Security (RLS)

Buttons
Advanced Analytics Visuals
Unpivot Columns
Test RLS Roles

Align and Distribute Visuals

Time Series Analysis
Split Columns
Gateways for On-Premises Data

Hierarchy
Slicers
Combine Columns
Parameters for Dynamic Reports

Add Alt Text

Custom Bin Groups
Sort Columns
What-If Parameters

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Quick Insights Group By Manage Semantic Models

Visualization Marketplace Create Dynamic Measures

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 DAX Functions

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Modifies the filter context of an Automatically creates a date table

CALCULATE CALCULATE(Expression, Filters) CALENDARAUTO CALENDARAUTO()
expression, enabling advanced based on the minimum and
calculations like conditional totals maximum values of date columns
or time intelligence analysis. in the model.

Adds all numerical values in a Retrieves a related value from

SUM SUM(Table[Column]) RELATED RELATED(Table[Column])
column, commonly used in another table using an existing
measures. relationship.

Calculates the average of a Combines two values into a single

AVERAGE AVERAGE(Table[Column]) CONCATENATE CONCATENATE(Value1, Value2)
column's numerical values. text string.

TOTALYTD TOTALYTD(Table[Column])
Calculates the Year-To-Date total
DIVIDE DIVIDE(Numerator, Denominator,
Performs division while handling
for an expression. divide-by-zero errors gracefully by
AlternateResult)
returning an alternate result.
Returns the last date in a given date
LASTDATE LASTDATE(Dates[Column])
column, often used in semi- Evaluates a condition and returns
IF IF(Condition, TrueResult,
additive measures. different results based on whether
FalseResult)
the condition is true or false.
Creates a string that shows the
PATH PATH(Table[Child_Column],
hierarchical path from a parent to a Counts the number of unique
Table[Parent_Column]) DISTINCTCOUNT DISTINCTCOUNT(Table[Column])
child. values in a column.

Activates an inactive relationship Returns the rank of a value in a

USERELATION-
USERELATIONSHIP(Table1[Column1], RANKX RANKX(Table, Expression, Value,
between two tables for a specific table based on an expression, with
SHIP Table2[Column2]) Order, Ties)
calculation. options for handling ties.

CALENDAR CALENDAR(START_DATE, END_DATE)

Generates a continuous range of
dates between two specified dates.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 DAX Functions

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Evaluates an expression and Returns the largest numeric value

SWITCH SWITCH(Expression, Value1, Result1, MAX MAX(Table[Column])
returns a matching result for the in a column.
[Value2, Result2], ...,
first case.
[ElseResult])
Returns the smallest numeric value
MIN MIN(Table[Column])
in a column.
FORMAT FORMAT(Value, FormatString) Formats a value as a string using a
specified format (e.g., currency, Counts the number of rows in a
COUNTROWS COUNTROWS(Table)
percentage). table.

Returns a single-column table with Groups data by specified columns

VALUES VALUES(Table[Column]) SUMMARIZE SUMMARIZE(Table, GroupByColumnName,
unique values from the specified and calculates aggregated values.
[Name, Expression], ...)
column.

Refers to a row context in an earlier Returns the value of a result

EARLIER EARLIER(Column, Offset) LOOKUPVALUE LOOKUPVALUE(Result_Column,
iteration of the same calculation. column based on search criteria.
Search_Column, Search_Value,
Removes all filters except those [Search_Column2, Search_Value2])
ALLEXCEPT ALLEXCEPT(Table, Column1, Column2,
applied to the specified columns.
...)
Returns TRUE if the specified
ISBLANK ISBLANK(Value)
value is blank.
Returns a table that contains only
FILTER FILTER(Table, Condition)
rows matching a specified
Rounds a number to the specified
condition. ROUND ROUND(Number, NumDigits)
number of digits.

Removes all filters from a table or

ALL ALL(Table[Column])
column, returning all rows.

Returns TRUE if the column

HASONEVALUE HASONEVALUE(Table[Column])
contains only one distinct value in
the current filter context.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 DAX Operators

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Adds two numerical values or Checks if one value is less than

Addition (+) Sales[Amount] + Sales[Tax] Less Than (<) Sales[Price] < 100
columns. another.

Subtraction (-) Sales[Amount] - Sales[Discount]

Subtracts one numerical value or Greater Than Checks if one value is greater than
Sales[Price] >= 100
column from another. or Equal (>=) or equal to another.

Multiplication (*) Sales[Price] * Sales[Quantity]

Multiplies two numerical values or Less Than or
Sales[Price] <= 100
Checks if one value is less than or
columns. Equal (<=) equal to another.

Division (/) Sales[Total] / Sales[Units]

Divides one numerical value or Logical AND (Sales[Price] > 100) &&
Returns TRUE if both conditions are
column by another. (&&) true.
(Sales[Units] > 10)

Exponentiation
Value ^ 2 Raises a number to the power of
another number. Returns TRUE if at least one
(^) Logical OR (||) (Sales[Price] > 100) ||
condition is true.
(Sales[Units] > 10)
Combines two text strings into one.
Concatenation
Customer[FirstName] & " " &
( &) Customer[LastName]
Logical NOT NOT(Sales[Category] =
Reverses the logical value of an
expression (TRUE to FALSE and vice
(NOT) "Electronics")
Equal To (=) Sales[Category] = "Electronics" Compares two values for equality. versa).

Inclusion (IN) Sales[Category] IN {"Electronics", Checks if a value exists in a

Compares two values for
Not Equal To
Sales[Category] <> "Electronics" "Books"} specified list of values.
inequality.
(<>)

Checks if one value is greater than

Greater Than (>) Sales[Price] > 100
another.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 DAX Operators Data Interaction

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Parenthesis (Sales[Price] * Sales[Units]) +

Groups expressions or specifies the
Power BI > Connect to ata

d
Workflow includes importing data
order of operations in calculations. from sources like Excel or CSV,
(()) Sales[Tax] Workflows > Transform and model data

transforming data in Power Query

> Create v isualizations

Editor, building reports, and sharing

> Publish and share
insights via Power BI Service.
Table Creates a table with a single
{1, 2, 3}
Constructor column containing the listed
({}) values.
Easily connect to various data
Connect to > Home

sources like Excel, CSV, XML, or

D ata > Ge t data

Equality for Creates relationships between databases, and load them into
Customer[ID] = Sales[CustomerID] > Select F ile Type (e.g.,
Relationships tables based on key columns. Power BI for further processing.
CSV, Excel)

(=)
> Op en F ile

> oad or Transform Data

L

Clean and shape your data, such as

D ata > Home

renaming columns, filtering rows,

Transformation > Transform Data

and changing data types, to

> Use Power Query
prepare it for analysis.
Editor

Share your reports with others by

Publish > File

publishing them to Power BI

Reports > Publish

Service, where dashboards and

> Power B I Service
access can be managed.

Update data source paths or

M anage > Transform Data

settings to maintain the accuracy of

D ata > Data Source Settings

your reports when file locations

S ources > Change Source
change.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Data Modeling
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

View Model > Home Tab

Allows managing table Create DAX > Data Pane
Use DAX to calculate values like
Layout > Model view
relationships, creating measures, Measures > Right-click
sums, averages, or percentages,
> View Diagram and organizing data for effective > New Measure enabling dynamic and reusable
data modeling. calculations.

Create > Modeling Tab

Establish connections between Create DAX > Data Pane
Add new columns derived from
Relationships > Manage Relationships
tables using key columns, defining Calculated > Right-click
existing ones, materialized into the
cardinality (e.g., many-to-one, one- > New Column
dataset, increasing file size.
> New
Columns

> Choose Columns

to-one). > Enter DAX Formula
> Define Cardinality

Hierarchies in > Data Pane

Organize columns (e.g., Year >
Autodetect > Modeling Tab
Automatically identifies and Dimension > Right-click
Month > Day) into a hierarchy for
Relationships > Manage Relationships
creates relationships between Tables > New Hierarchy drill-down capabilities in
> Autodetect tables based on column names and visualizations.
data types.

Manage > Modeling Tab

Adjusts how tables relate to each
Cardinality > Manage Relationships
other (e.g., many-to-many for
Mar k a Table as > Data Pane
Assigns a table as the primary date flexible connections).
> New

a Date Table > Right-click Table

table, ensuring accurate time-
> Define Cardinality
> Mark as Date Table
based calculations and filtering.
(e.g., Many-to-One, One-
> Select Date Column
to-Many)

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Data Modeling
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Flatten > Model Tab

Breaks down hierarchical Create Quick > Data Pane
Generate commonly used
Hierarchies > View Diagram
relationships into a single-level Measures > Right-click
calculations like totals or averages
> Select Flattened Table table for simpler analysis. > New Quick Measure without writing DAX.
Option

Note: Diagram view is only available in Power Query Online. Combine multiple columns into a
Concatenate > Power Query Editor

Columns > Add Column

single column (e.g., concatenating
Performance > View Tab
Analyzes report performance, > Custom Column
Year and Month to create
Optimization > Performance Analyzer identifying areas for improvement "MonthYear").
> Define Concatenation Formula
like visuals or DAX queries.

Aggregation > Power Query Editor

Pre-aggregate data by grouping Circular > Model Tab
Identifies and resolves circular
Columns > Group By
and summarizing at desired levels Relationship > Analyze Relationships
dependencies in relationships to
> Add Aggregation of detail. Detection > Resolve Circular References avoid calculation errors.

Bidirectional > Manage Relationships

Allows filters to flow both ways in Use > Data Pane
Defines pre-aggregations for tables,
Cross-Filtering > Enable Bi-Directional relationships, ensuring Aggregation > Right-click Table
improving performance when
Filtering comprehensive filtering. Manager > Manage Aggregations querying large datasets.

Enable Auto > File

Automatically generates date
Date/Time > Options
hierarchies for date columns,
> Data Load
simplifying time-based analysis.
> Auto Date/Time for New
Files

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Power BI Visuals and Analytics
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Add Visuals > Visualizations Pane

Allows adding visuals such as Sorting Data > More Options (Three Dots)
Organizes data logically,
> Select Visual Icon (e.g., tables, bar charts, line charts, etc., > Sort Ascending/Descending highlighting the most relevant
Table, Chart) to represent data insights or By Field information without removing any.
effectively.

Tooltips > Format Pane

Adds customized hover-over Filters > Drag Fields to Filter Pane
Removes unnecessary data,
> Tooltip Section
descriptions for enhanced data > Configure Filters enabling focus on relevant
> Configure Custom Tooltip context in visuals. information in reports.

Conditional > Format Pane

Specifies cell colors, data bars, KPI Background > Format Pane
Adds visual elements like colors or
Formatting > Conditional Formatting icons, or web links based on field and Borders > Background/Border borders to highlight and isolate
Options values. Sections
specific visuals on the canvas.
> Configure Color or Image

Add Slicer > Visualizations Pane

Adds a slicer to filter data Drillthrough > Add Drillthrough Fields
Allows users to navigate to detailed
> Slicer Icon
interactively by specific criteria > Configure Target Page pages for in-depth analysis by
> Drag Fields to Slicer (e.g., year or region). clicking on a specific field or value.
Visualization

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Power BI Visuals and Analytics
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Bookmarks > View Tab

Saves the current view of a report Add Alt Text > Format Pane
Ensures accessibility by providing
> Bookmarks
page for quick access, enhancing > General Section
descriptions for visuals that screen
> Add Bookmark navigation and storytelling. > Alt Text
readers can interpret.
> Enter Description

K ey > Visualizations Pane

Tracks performance against a
Buttons > Insert Tab
Adds interactive buttons for Performance target using metrics, goals, and
> KPI Icon

> Buttons
navigation or specific actions in a Indicators timelines (e.g., total sales vs. sales
> Add Value, Goal, and Time
> Add Button
report. target).
(KPIs) Frame
> Configure Action

(e.g., Page Navigation)

C lustering > Scatter Chart

Analyzes and groups similar data
> More Options
points in a scatter chart based on
Align and > CTRL + Click Visuals
Aligns and evenly distributes > Automatically Find Clusters attribute values.
Distribute > Format Tab
visuals on the canvas for a clean,
Visuals > Align/Distribute Options professional layout.
Top N Analysis > Filters Pane
Displays the top N records based
> Field
on a selected value (e.g., Top 10
> Filter Type
selling products).
> Top N
Hierarchy > Data Pane
Groups data into hierarchical levels
> Drag Fields to Create (e.g., Year > Month > Day) for drill-
Hierarchy down capabilities.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Power BI Visuals and Analytics
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Histograms
Use Column Charts for Histograms; Represents statistical data Decomposi-
> Visualizations Pane
Allows data exploration across
and Bell
Use Area Charts for Bell Curves
distributions for insights into data tion Tree > Decomposition Tree Icon
multiple dimensions, providing
Curves
patterns. > Add Fields to Analyze and insights into high and low values in
Explain hierarchical data.
Analyze > Right-click Visual Data Provides AI-generated insights into
Feature Point
why data has changed or its
> Analyze
distribution differences. Q&A Visual > Double-Click Canvas
Uses natural language processing
> Choose Option (Explain > Enter Natural Language Question to generate visual answers to data-
related questions.
Increase or Distribution
Differences)

Statistical > Visualizations Pane

Provides quick descriptive statistics
AI Insights > Power Query Editor
Applies pretrained machine
Summary > Add Summary Visual like averages, distributions, and
> Add Column Tab
learning models for tasks like
clusters for high-level insights.
> Select Text Analytics, sentiment analysis, image
Vision, or Azure Machine processing, or anomaly detection.
Learning

Advanced > Visualizations Pane

Imports specialized visuals from
Analytics > Get More Visuals
Microsoft AppSource for complex
Key > Visualizations Pane
Identifies and ranks factors that analytical needs.
Visuals > Select Advanced Analytics
Influencers > Key Influencers Icon
influence a specific metric, aiding
Category
Visual > Add Metric to Analyze and in root cause analysis.
Dimensions to Explain By

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Power BI Visuals and Analytics Transform Data in Power BI
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Time Series Use Line Charts, Gantt Charts, or Tracks and visualizes data trends Promote > Home
Converts the first row of data into
Analysis Area Charts
over time, useful for identifying Headers > Use First Row as Headers column headers.
disruptions or seasonal patterns.

Filters data interactively by > Queries Pane

Updates querynames to make
Slicers > Visualizations Pane
Rename

> Slicer Icon

categories such as time or Queries > Right-click on Query
them meaningful and organized.
> Add Field to Slicer geography, enabling segmentation > Rename
of data.

Rename > Right-click on column

Updates column names for clarity
> Data Pane
Groups continuous data (e.g.,
Custom Bin
Columns > Rename OR Double-click column and organization of the dataset.
Groups > Right-click Field
numerical values or dates) into
header

> New Group

equal intervals for better analysis.
> Enter new name
> Set Bin Size

Replace > Transform Tab

Substitutes specific values or nulls
Automatically generates insights Values > Replace Values
with new ones to resolve
Quick > Power BI Web Service

using machine learning algorithms, > Enter Value to Find and inconsistencies or make values
Insights > Report

ideal for initial dashboard Replace

user-friendly.
> More Options

> Quick Insights exploration. > Close & Apply

Remove Rows > Select rows

Deletes unnecessary rows to clean
> Home
the dataset and improve analysis
> Remove Rows
accuracy.
> Remove Top Rows

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Transform Data in Power BI

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Remove > Select columns

Deletes unwanted columns or Split Columns > Home
Divides a column into two or more
Columns > Home

retains only necessar y ones. > Split Column

based on a specified delimiter (e.g.,

> Remove Columns OR Remove Other > By Delimiter
comma, space).
Columns

Remove > Right-click Column Header Eliminates duplicate values to Combine > Add Column
Merges multiple columns into one,
Duplicates > Remove Duplicates
ensure accuracy and uniqueness in Columns > Custom Column

improving readability or preparing

data. > Concatenate values with
data for analysis.
delimiter

Pivot Columns > Transform

Summarizes data by converting
> Pivot Column

rows into columns using aggregate

functions like SUM , COUNT , or Sort Columns Reorders data within a column
Value > Home

alphabetically, numerically, or by
> Select Column

Function AVERAGE . > Sort Ascending/Descending

other criteria.
> Choose Aggregate
> Choose column

Unpivot > Select columns

Converts column data into rows,
Columns enabling easier analysis of wide
> Transform

Group By Aggregates data based on selected

> Unpivot Columns
datasets. > Transform

columns to perform calculations

> Group By

> Select column(s)

like sums or counts.

> Define operation (SUM,

COUNT, etc.)

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Transform Data in Power BI

Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Merge Queries > Home

Combines data from multiple h
C ange > Select Column
Fixes data type issues by selecting
> Merge Queries

queries into one using a join Column Data > Transform Tab

the correct type for calculations

> Choose Tables and Columns

operation (e.g., INNER JOIN, y
T pe > Data Type

and transformations.

OUTER JOIN).
> Select Join Type > Choose Correct Data Type

Creates a copy of a column for

Duplicate > Right-click column
Find > View Ta b
Identifies irregularities or quality

Columns > Duplicate Column

further transformations without
Anomalies > Data Preview
issues in data through visual
altering the original.
> Chec k Column Distribution , k
summaries li e column statistics

Quality, and Profile and value distributions.

Transpose > Transform
Switches rows to columns or

Data > Transpose

columns to rows for reformatting

data.
d fy M
Mo i > View Ta b
Edits the underlying M code for

Code > Advanced Editor

v
ad anced or customi ed z
transformations.
> Edit Code

> Clic k Done

Fill Down/Up > Transform
Fills blank cells in a column with
> Fill

values from the cell above or

below.

A
> Fill Down or Fill Up

Add > Home

dds a new column based on

d
Con itional > Add Column

defined conditions (e.g.,

Columns > Conditional Column

z
categori ing data into ranges).

Com ineb Files > Home

Consolidates data from multiple > Define conditions and values
> Combine Files
x V
files (e.g., E cel or CS ) into one

query.
> Select Folder

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Workspaces and Security
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Create a > Power BI Service

Enables you to organize and Usage Metrics > Workspace
Tracks performance and user
Workspace > Workspaces
collaborate on dashboards, > Report
interaction metrics for reports and
> Create a Workspace reports, and datasets. > More Options
dashboards.
> View Usage Metrics

Assign > Workspace

Defines user permissions for
Workspace > Access
collaboration and content Sensitivity > Power BI esktop

D Protects sensitive data by

Roles > Add Email or Group
management within the Labels > Apply ensitivity
S abels
L specifying export permissions.
> Assign Role (Admin, Member, workspace. > Publish
Contributor, Viewer)

c e led
S h du > a aset

D t A utomates data updates to ensure

Deployment > Power BI Service
M anages content migration Refresh > ettings

S reports and dashboards display the

Pipelines > Deployment Pipelines
between development, testing, and > c eduled Refresh
S h
latest information.
> Create Pipeline
production environments
(Premium accounts only).
> Configure Workspace
Promote and > Power BI Service
Endorses high-quality datasets for
Certify > Dataset
organizational use, ensuring
ineage View > Workspace

Visualizes relationships between Datasets reliability and consistency.

L > Promote or Certify
workspace artifacts (reports,
> View Drop-Down

datasets) and external

> ineage
L
dependencies.

Power BI Cheat Sheet

 Workspaces and Security
Syntax for How to use Explained Syntax for How to use Explained

Test RLS Roles > Power BI Desktop

Simulates role-specific views to What-If > Modeling Tab
Runs scenario analysis by
> Modeling Tab
verify correct implementation of Parameters > New Parameter
dynamically changing parameter
> View as Roles row-level security. > Define Parameter
values (e.g., forecasting sales
> Create Measure impact with variable discounts).

Gateways for > Install Power BI Gateway

Connects on-premises data sources
On-Premises > Configure Gateway in Power BI to Power BI cloud services, Organizes data into fact and
Manage > Power BI Desktop

Data Service enabling seamless data access and dimension tables for optimized
Semantic > Create Relationships

refresh. performance and analysis.

Models > Define Star Schema

Parameters > Power Query Editor

Enables dynamic filtering of
for Dynamic > Manage Parameters
reports based on user input or
Reports > Create New Parameter
predefined values. Create
DAX: Measure = SUM(Data[Field]) *
Dynamically changes calculations
> Replace Filter with Parameter Dynamic in reports based on input
Parameter[Value]
Measures parameters.

Power BI Cheat Sheet