Dynamic “crosstab” in Power BI: multi-level dimensions + dynamic measures

[Buddyy1512]

I’m working on a self-service “crosstab” matrix in Power BI that must behave like a Tableau pivot table, and I’d love to crowdsource ideas for a cleaner approach.

• Users need to pick up to 6 different row dimensions via slicer.

• Users also pick one or more measures via slicer.

• The matrix should render all selected dimensions as hierarchical column fields, and all selected measures as rows, with no extra clicks.

• No drill-down icons (±), no bookmarks or toggling of separate visuals—just one matrix that auto-expands every level and updates immediately when slicers change.

What I’ve tried

• Field parameters for fields + metrics

  • ✔️Dynamic selection via slicers

  • ❌Doesn’t auto-expand — users must click the expand icon each time

• Bookmarks + dual-matrix (“ResetView” / “ExpandedView”)

  • ✔️Pre-expanded states

  • ❌Requires manual bookmark click whenever slicers change

• Flattened approach with 6 calculated columns (Level1…Level6) and unpivoted metrics

  • ✔️Always-expanded, one matrix

  • ❌Complex DAX and maintenance overhead

Where I’m stuck

I can get each technique to “almost” work, but none meet all requirements simultaneously. Every approach forces either user clicks, multiple visuals/bookmarks, or huge maintenance overhead.

What I’d love to learn from you:

• Are there any alternate patterns or new features (maybe in Fabric / Calculation Groups, or upcoming matrix enhancements) that let me:

  1. Dynamically pick N row fields via slicer

  2. Dynamically pick M measures via slicer

  3. Render them in a single, fully expanded matrix

  4. Without manual drill or bookmarks

• Has anyone built something similar in Power BI or in Fabric that I could reference?

Attached screenshots for reference:

Post hitting the drill down option:

Thanks and Regards

[Buddyy1512]

Thank you for the prompt clarification and for highlighting the current limitations in replicating Tableau-style pivot experiences in Power BI. I appreciate the suggestion to submit this as an idea on the Microsoft Fabric Ideas portal—I'll certainly consider doing that.

Thanks again for your support. I’ve marked your response as the solution to help others who might have a similar query.

[v-saisrao-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @Buddyy1512,

Thank you for reaching out to the Microsoft Fabric Forum Community. 

The exact Tableau style pivot experience, such as auto-generated and auto-expanded hierarchy, can be done in Tableau but cannot be achieved in Power BI.  

If this is a key requirement for your reporting needs, I strongly encourage you to submit this idea to the official Microsoft Fabric Ideas portal. If you get enough votes, they may consider it in the future.  

Fabric Ideas - Microsoft Fabric Community 

If this post helps, then please give us ‘Kudos’ and consider Accept it as a solution to help the other members find it more quickly. 

Thank you. 

[Buddyy1512]

Thank you for the prompt clarification and for highlighting the current limitations in replicating Tableau-style pivot experiences in Power BI. I appreciate the suggestion to submit this as an idea on the Microsoft Fabric Ideas portal—I'll certainly consider doing that.

Thanks again for your support. I’ve marked your response as the solution to help others who might have a similar query.