Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Enhance your career with this limited time 50% discount on Fabric and Power BI exams. Ends August 31st. Request your voucher.

Reply

How To Identify if it is Column, Measure or Table Function in a DAX

We have multiple functions but the question is how to identify if it is table or column or best to use in Measure 

1 REPLY 1
ValtteriN
Super User
Super User

Hi,

Unfortunately there isn't a single answer and instead the answer depends on the context. Calculated table, column and measures all have their benefits. Additionally you might consider doign some of the calculation in Powerquery or even at the data base level. 

Here are some general pointers: If you can't do the calculations in PQ or at database level I recommend using measures whenever it is possible. They are more efficient than using columns or tables. For tables I would use them for example to create a calendar table or to place some slicer values, but when it comes to calculations I often place calculated tables inside measure variables. Finally for columns, the most often use case is for creating categories or slicers.


Here is a great articley by SQLBI related to this topic: https://www.sqlbi.com/articles/calculated-columns-and-measures-in-dax/


I hope this post helps to solve your issue and if it does consider accepting it as a solution and giving the post a thumbs up!

My LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/n%C3%A4ttiahov-00001/





Did I answer your question? Mark my post as a solution!

Proud to be a Super User!




Helpful resources

Announcements
July PBI25 Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - July 2025

Check out the July 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

Join our Fabric User Panel

Join our Fabric User Panel

This is your chance to engage directly with the engineering team behind Fabric and Power BI. Share your experiences and shape the future.

June 2025 community update carousel

Fabric Community Update - June 2025

Find out what's new and trending in the Fabric community.