Import Excel data vs create table in Power BI

[Apple08]

Hi all

I need to create a table with 3 columns of data for 30 rows.  I wonder what is the difference between I create an Excel spreadsheet then import the data to Power BI and to create a table directly in the Power BI?

I consider this is much user friendly to use Excel as the column includes dates which I can easily drag down the date fields for copy and paste.  However, I wonder I might have missed out the advantages of creating a table directly within the Power BI.  

Your advice is appreciated.

[Apple08]

Thanks very much Neeko for your concise explaination, this is really helpful.  Thanks again.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @Apple08 ,

Their differences are as follows:
(1) Due to the design, creating a table in Power BI Desktop only supports input data, does not support drop-down or use functions to quickly input data, you can clean the data in Power Query, or use convenient drop-down in Excel to create a good table, directly copy it in the interface of "Enter Data".
(2) Create a table in Power BI desktop, his data source data can be modified at any time (Once you are in the Power Query Editor, under the query for that table, click on the setting icon for the Source step), but import Excel data, the data source is displayed as the excel path, you need to modify the data source in Excel and refresh it.
(3) Create table data in Power BI Desktop cannot exceed 3000 cells.
(4) To update, add, or delete data within items created by Enter Data, changes must be made in Power BI Desktop, and published. Data updates cannot be made directly from the Power BI service.

Please refer to the following document for more information.

Create a Table in Power BI using Enter Data, and How to Edit it - RADACAD

Import Excel workbooks into Power BI Desktop - Power BI | Microsoft Learn

Enter Data In Power BI: How To Use It For Data Entry - Enterprise DNA

Best Regards,

Neeko Tang

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