Power BI DAX Training Course Beginners

What Is DAX?

• DAX within the Microsoft Ecosystem - understand where DAX fits within Power BI, Power Pivot, and Excel.
• Using DAX in Excel - explore how DAX works alongside PivotTables, data models, and Power Pivot features.
• Understanding the Difference from Excel Formulas - learn how DAX calculations behave differently from traditional worksheet formulas.
• Exploring What DAX Can Do - see how DAX can power advanced calculations, reporting, and business analysis.
• Understanding Measures - learn why measures are central to flexible and reusable Power BI reporting.
• Understanding Iteration - explore row-by-row calculations using practical SUMPRODUCT-style examples.

Introducing DAX

• Understanding DAX Calculations - explore how DAX formulas are structured and evaluated.
• Using Calculated Columns - create row-based calculations directly within tables.
• Working with Measures - build calculations that update dynamically based on report filters and selections.
• Understanding DAX Data Types - learn how DAX handles numbers, text, dates, and logical values.
• Using DAX Operators - apply operators to build calculations and logical expressions.
• Introducing Variables with VAR and RETURN - simplify calculations and improve readability using variables.
• Understanding the Benefits of Variables - improve formula performance, organisation, and troubleshooting.
• Handling Errors in DAX - manage calculation errors and improve report reliability.
• Recognising Common Beginner Errors - identify and avoid the most common mistakes made when learning DAX.
• Formatting DAX Code Clearly - structure formulas for better readability and maintenance.
• Commenting DAX Code - add comments to calculations to improve understanding and collaboration.

Understanding Measures

• What Is a Measure? - understand how measures work and why they are essential in Power BI reporting.
• Using a Measures Table - organise calculations more clearly using dedicated measures tables.
• Understanding SUMX() - perform row-by-row calculations using iterator functions.
• Creating Reusable Measures - build calculations that can be reused across multiple reports and visuals.
• Using Common DAX Measures - explore practical measures frequently used in business reporting.
• Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes - recognise issues that can affect calculation accuracy and report performance.

Filtering Data with DAX

• Using Basic Filters in Measures - apply filters directly within DAX calculations.
• Filtering Total Sales Calculations - create filtered measures for targeted business reporting.
• Filtering Between Date Ranges - build calculations based on selected time periods.
• Excluding Specific Date Ranges - remove unwanted periods from calculations and analysis.
• Understanding the FILTER() Function - apply more advanced filtering logic within calculations.
• Knowing When FILTER() Is Required - understand when FILTER() is needed instead of simpler CALCULATE filters.
• Understanding ALL() - remove filters to create comparison and total calculations.
• Introducing ALLEXCEPT() - preserve selected filters while removing others.
• Understanding ALLNOBLANKROW() - work with filtered tables while excluding blank rows.
• Using VALUES() and DISTINCT() - return unique lists and filtered sets of values.

Understanding Evaluation Context

• Introduction to Evaluation Context - understand one of the most important concepts in DAX calculations.
• Understanding Row Context - explore how row-by-row calculations are evaluated.
• Working with Outer and Inner Row Context - understand nested row contexts and their effect on calculations.
• Using Iterators with Row Context - apply functions that calculate values across rows dynamically.
• Using the EARLIER() Function - understand older row context techniques still seen in existing models.
• Replacing EARLIER() with Variables - use modern best practices to simplify complex calculations.
• Understanding Nested Row Contexts - explore practical situations where nested calculations are useful.

Working with Multiple Tables

• Understanding Fact and Dimension Tables - structure Power BI models using common data modelling techniques.
• Working Across Multiple Tables - build calculations that interact across connected datasets.
• Understanding Relationships and Context - explore how table relationships affect calculations and filtering.
• Comparing Row Context and Filter Context - understand how context behaves across related tables.
• Exploring the AdventureWorks Data Model - use a practical business example for reporting and analysis.
• Comparing Calculated Columns and Measures - understand when each approach is most appropriate.
• Using SELECTEDVALUE() - return selected values dynamically within reports and visuals.
• Using ISFILTERED() and ISCROSSFILTERED() - detect and respond to filter activity within reports.

CALCULATE and CALCULATETABLE

• Understanding CALCULATE() - explore one of the most important functions in DAX.
• Understanding Filter Context - see how filters affect calculations and report behaviour.
• Changing Filters with CALCULATE() - override and modify report filters dynamically.
• Using Multiple Filters Together - combine filtering conditions within advanced calculations.
• Understanding Repeating Values - troubleshoot situations where results appear duplicated or incorrect.
• Understanding CALCULATETABLE() - return filtered tables for more advanced calculations and analysis.
• Choosing Between CALCULATE() and CALCULATETABLE() - understand when each function should be used.
• Understanding ALLSELECTED() - build calculations that respect user interactions and report selections.
• Respecting User Selections - create reports that respond dynamically to filtering and slicing.
• Using USERELATIONSHIP() - activate inactive relationships within calculations when required.
• Using CROSSFILTER() - control filter direction between related tables.

DAX Examples and Practical Scenarios

• Building Context-Aware Measures - create calculations that respond dynamically to report context.
• Calculating Ratios and Percentages - build business-focused percentage and comparison calculations.
• Creating Context-Aware Percentage Analysis - analyse performance by year, quarter, and month dynamically.
• Applying Pareto (80/20) Analysis - identify the most significant contributors within business datasets.
• Using Moving Averages - smooth trends and analyse performance over time.

Time Intelligence Calculations

• Understanding Time Intelligence - explore how DAX handles date-based calculations and reporting.
• Building and Using Date Tables - create structured calendar tables for time-based analysis.
• Calculating Percentage Growth - compare results against previous periods and trends.
• Creating Cumulative Calculations - build running totals and progressive reporting measures.