Join us at FabCon Atlanta from March 16 - 20, 2026, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.
Register now!Get Fabric Certified for FREE during Fabric Data Days. Don't miss your chance! Request now
I have a need for a single DAX expression in SSAS that would allow me to calculate the number of distinct memberIDs found within a Calls table and a Faxes table. I am using a tabular model in SSAS so I am unable to create any calculated columns. Any guidance is appreciated.
Thanks,
Adam
Solved! Go to Solution.
Hi @adam12237 ,
If you connect to SQL Server Analysis Services by using Live Connection, you can't model in Power BI Desktop.
Because in Live Connection mode, Power BI will connect the entire external model. Once connected, it can not be modified in Power BI, which means that you can only model the data in SSAS.
So for your problem, you have the following two solutions:
1. Calculate what you want in the data source .
2. Use Import mode.
Best regards,
Lionel Chen
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
Hi @adam12237 ,
If you connect to SQL Server Analysis Services by using Live Connection, you can't model in Power BI Desktop.
Because in Live Connection mode, Power BI will connect the entire external model. Once connected, it can not be modified in Power BI, which means that you can only model the data in SSAS.
So for your problem, you have the following two solutions:
1. Calculate what you want in the data source .
2. Use Import mode.
Best regards,
Lionel Chen
If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.
So I think perhaps something like:
Measure =
VAR __Calls = 'Calls'
VAR __Faxes = 'Faxes'
VAR __Table =
UNION(
SELECTCOLUMNS(__Calls,"__MemberID",[MemberID]),
SELECTCOLUMNS(__Faxes,"__MemberID",[MemberID])
)
RETURN
COUNTROWS(
DISTINCT(
__Table
)
)
Check out the November 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.
Advance your Data & AI career with 50 days of live learning, contests, hands-on challenges, study groups & certifications and more!
| User | Count |
|---|---|
| 103 | |
| 80 | |
| 64 | |
| 50 | |
| 45 |