topic Re: Use output of measure to reference column name in DAX Commands and Tips

Use output of measure to reference column name

kouter — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 12:54:06 GMT

Hi,

I have a measure that outputs a string. The string will be equal to a column name. I want to be able to use that measure output to reference a column i.e. table1[measureOutput] (where measureOutput is the name of my measure).

I have tried using calculated columns (mycolumn = [measureOutput]), but if I drag this column into table I don't see any values.

What is the best way to use measure output to reference a column?

Thank you for your help.

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

tamerj1 — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 12:53:06 GMT

Hi kouter

not possible. You need to restructure your data, perhaps unpivot the said columns so you can use their names as attributes in a column.

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

kouter — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 06:58:01 GMT

Hi tamerj1

Thank you very much for your prompt reply.

I unpivoted the columns to have their names as attributes. Created the following calculated column

my_calc_column = IF(table[attribute] = [measureOutput], table[attribute], BLANK()]

however, when I drag this calculated column onto table I don't see any values. Your thoughs on where I'm going wrong? Any suggestions is much appreciated.

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

tamerj1 — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 07:42:04 GMT

kouter
Now comes the next step. Please provide some sample data along with example of the expected result to assist you further.

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

kouter — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 08:06:15 GMT

tamerj1

Attribute	Value
length	1.78
weight	89
weight	78
length	1.90
BMI	27
BMI	29
length	1.9

For this example, lets say my measure output will be BMI, then I would like use that measure output to filter the Attribute column resulting in

Attribute	Value
BMI	27
BMI	29

I hope this will suffice, bit hesitant on uploading actual data.

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

tamerj1 — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 09:53:36 GMT

Hi kouter
Please refer to attached sample file with the solution

FilterMeasure = VAR TextMeasure = "BMI" -- in your case you need use [Text Measure] RETURN COUNTROWS ( FILTER ( 'Table', 'Table'[ Attribute] = TextMeasure ) )

Re: Use output of measure to reference column name

kouter — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 11:56:58 GMT

tamerj1

Thank you very much for you help.