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Measures PowerBI
Yes , You don't have to use excel, you can directly connect the data to power BI.
If you want to apply any transformation then you can use in-built power query editor, and then for any type of calculation you can use DAX functions (250+ dax functions available) to create measures or calculated columns.
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Your solution is great anmolmalviya05
Hi, GeroNikles
As anmolmalviya05 said, you can work with your data like creating calculated columns, metrics, etc. in Power BI desktop. You mentioned that you have some structured tables and are using SQL server, you can choose import connection mode which will allow you to use all the features of Power BI.
Why? The features that Power BI can support differ in different connection modes. For example, as you mentioned, you have a multidimensional model, and since the multidimensional model does not import data into Power BI, and all calculations are done in your multidimensional model's data source, you will encounter the problem of not being able to add some columns of calculations and use some other features in a report that is connected to the multidimensional model. For more information about the different connection models, you can refer to the following connections:
Semantic model modes in the Power BI service - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
What's the difference between live connections and DirectQuery? - Power BI | Microsoft Learn
Power BI Connection Types: DirectQuery, Live, or Import? Tough Decision! - RADACAD
There is also a difference in the DAX functions supported by Power BI desktop when creating metrics in different connection modes. For example, in the multidimensional model, if we create a new metric we can't use some of the table generator functions, the main reason for this problem is that in the multidimensional model, our data table structure is in your data source and not in the semantic model of Power BI desktop.
You can choose one of the different connection models according to your needs after understanding them. For example, if you want to use all the DAX functions in Power BI desktop and all the functionality provided by Desktop, you should use the Import mode.
Best Regards
Jianpeng Li
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