Calculated metrics names with use of special characters

[Mk60]

Please note highlighted words in the names of selected Industries. I have to create calculated Measure for each using the exact naming conventions as in this table. I got Power BI message about using special characters in the metrics names, but not sure how to make [  ] actually stick/work as a part of these names? 

Please advise. Thank you!

[OwenAuger · Accepted solution]

Hi @Mk60 

The syntax is a little awkward when authoring a measure when the name includes square brackets [ or ].

1. Enclose the entire measure name in square brackets [ ]
2. "Escape" any right square brackets in the measure name by replacing them with two square brackets, i.e. replace ] with ]]

For example, to author the last measure in your list in Power BI Desktop, you would enter:

[Other C&I [Secured by Real Estate]] (% of Capital)] =
<Measure Definition>

If you're using Tabular Editor, this is handled automatically and you can name the measures without the above adjustments.

Does this work for you?

[Mk60]

Hi Owen,

First, I just wanted to thank you for your time and to say that your solution does work as I tested it, and gives me correct Measure results, so I will accept it as a solution for sure. 

However, it does not work best for me only bc metric names will be outside of the strict requiremenst,  (would have too many square [ ] brackets in their names which is not acceptable for the Senior management.

Second, I found just by accident that forward slash works for this, although Microsoft Fabric includes that in the list of "Special characters" that are NOT valid in the names of objects? Not sure why this one works in this case, so I'll just put my example out here for others in case it provides solution for someone.

So here's my example that works only with / in the name:

Other C&I /Secured by Real Estate/ (as % of Capital) = <Measure Definition>

BesRegards,

Mk

[OwenAuger]

You're welcome 🙂

Interesting observation with the forward slashes!

Just to clarify, this syntax defining a measure in this way in the formula bar in Power BI Desktop:

[Other C&I [Secured by Real Estate]] (% of Capital)] = <Measure Definition>

produces a measure with this name displayed in client tools including Power BI Desktop Report view:

Other C&I [Secured by Real Estate] (% of Capital)

For example, the DAX query EVALUATE INFO.MEASURES() will return the intended name in the [Name] column.

Actually, a more convenient way of entering the measure name in Power BI Desktop would be to create a measure with an arbitrary name then rename it in the field list in the Data pane.

[Mk60]

haha, your last suggestion is exactly what I did for all masures. Totally escaped me, and I have been using that before. Just one of those I guess. Thanks much again, or until next time with more dificult questions 🙂