Formatting Column

[Alusine_Kamara]

Dear All, please can someone help me with the difference between a "Whole number" formatted column and a "Numeric" formatted column. Examples of when to use both would be highly appreciated. Thanks.

[Alusine_Kamara]

Hey Marcel, good morning from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Your solution is concise...to the point. Thank you! 

[marcelsmaglhaes · Accepted solution]

Hey @Alusine_Kamara 

In Power BI, the "Whole Number" and "Decimal Number" formats refer to how the numeric values in a column are displayed. Here's the difference between them:

1. Whole Number Format:

   • Usage: This format is suitable for columns that represent counts, quantities, or any numeric values that should be displayed as whole numbers without decimal places.
   • Examples:
     • Number of units sold.
     • Quantity of items in stock.
       
       

2. Decimal Number Format (Numeric):

   • Usage: This format is used when you want to display numeric values with decimal places. It is suitable for columns where precision with decimals is important.
   • Examples:
     • Average sales price.
     • Percentage values.

When to Use:

• Use the "Whole Number" format when your values represent counts or quantities that are naturally whole numbers (e.g., number of customers, units sold).
• Use the "Decimal Number" format when your values include fractional parts or require a specific level of precision (e.g., average rating, revenue).