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mbsmeltzer
New Member

Circular Dependency on column from measure

I see other posts regarding the subject but my lack of skills is making it feel overwhelming...

 

I'm trying to create multiple columns each from a Measure but as I create the 2nd one I get a circular reference. It feels crazy that I have to create one thing for the measure then one thing to turn that measure into an actual column, then a third thing to properly format that column, but here I am.

Can someone show me how I can create multiple columns in the same table each referencing a different Measure? or better yet, how I can accomplish all three of those things in one step - a measure that is properly formatted and displayed in a column. Thank you!

 

Click here to access the file from my Drive

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
MattAllington
Community Champion
Community Champion

you are using the wrong approach. Read my article here https://exceleratorbi.com.au/calculated-columns-vs-measures-dax/

 

the reason it doesn't work is complex and probably not as important as knowing you simply shouldn't do it.

 

one of the key concepts you need to learn (and follow) is a process on how to write measures. I argue the reason beginners write calculated columns and not measures is because with a calculated column you can "see" the data. You need to set up the same feedback loop for measures. Always do this

  1. go to a new blank report page (sheet in Excel)
  2. add a matrix (pivot table in Excel)
  3. Add something meaningful into rows on the visual.  Something that should respond to/change with your measure
  4. Write the measure and add it to the visual.
  5. don't try to boil the ocean. Write part of the "solution" and check it is working before proceeding.  


* Matt is an 8 times Microsoft MVP (Power BI) and author of the Power BI Book Supercharge Power BI.
I will not give you bad advice, even if you unknowingly ask for it.

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2 REPLIES 2
MattAllington
Community Champion
Community Champion

you are using the wrong approach. Read my article here https://exceleratorbi.com.au/calculated-columns-vs-measures-dax/

 

the reason it doesn't work is complex and probably not as important as knowing you simply shouldn't do it.

 

one of the key concepts you need to learn (and follow) is a process on how to write measures. I argue the reason beginners write calculated columns and not measures is because with a calculated column you can "see" the data. You need to set up the same feedback loop for measures. Always do this

  1. go to a new blank report page (sheet in Excel)
  2. add a matrix (pivot table in Excel)
  3. Add something meaningful into rows on the visual.  Something that should respond to/change with your measure
  4. Write the measure and add it to the visual.
  5. don't try to boil the ocean. Write part of the "solution" and check it is working before proceeding.  


* Matt is an 8 times Microsoft MVP (Power BI) and author of the Power BI Book Supercharge Power BI.
I will not give you bad advice, even if you unknowingly ask for it.

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