Forum Discussion
Power BI Matrix - Show Distinct Count as a Separate Column While Comparing Categories
Hey everyone,
I'm working on a Power BI Matrix visual, and I need some help adding a distinct count column for comparison.
Dataset & Matrix Setup:
I have a dataset called spec_view, which contains every item within every spec we have.
- Rows: Group → Element_Name
- Columns: Spec_Name_ID (each spec as a separate column)
- Values: Currently, I have a measure that displays the concatenated item names per spec, sorted by Order_Index:
ItemNamesSortedByOrderIndex =
CONCATENATEX(
FILTER(
spec_view,
spec_view[GroupOrderWithName] = SELECTEDVALUE(spec_view[GroupOrderWithName]) &&
spec_view[SPEC_NAME_ID] = SELECTEDVALUE(spec_view[SPEC_NAME_ID])
),
spec_view[ITEM_NAME] &
" (" &
spec_view[MANUFACTURER_NAME] &
IF(
ISBLANK(TRIM(spec_view[MODEL_NUMBER])) || LEN(TRIM(spec_view[MODEL_NUMBER])) = 0,
"",
" - " & spec_view[MODEL_NUMBER]
) &
")",
UNICHAR(10), -- Newline separator for stacked display
spec_view[ORDER_INDEX] -- Sort items based on order_index
)
This works great and allows me to compare the items listed across different specs.
What I Need Help With:
The stakeholder asked if I could add one more column to this visual that shows a distinct count of Item_Name per Element_Name, ignoring Spec_Name_ID filters.
Basically, I want to say:
👉 "Across all displayed specs, this element contains X unique items."
What I've Tried:
I created this measure:
DistinctItemCountPerElement =
CALCULATE(
DISTINCTCOUNT(spec_view[ITEM_NAME]),
ALL(spec_view[SPEC_NAME_ID])
)
However, when I add it to the Values field, it repeats under every Spec_Name_ID column instead of appearing as a single, separate column.
Desired Output Example:
GroupElement NameDistinct Item CountSpec ASpec BSpec C
| Group 1 | Element X | 12 | Items List | Items List | Items List |
| Group 1 | Element Y | 8 | Items List | Items List | Items List |
| Group 2 | Element Z | 5 | Items List | Items List | Items List |
Question:
How can I modify my DAX formula or adjust my Matrix setup so that the distinct count appears only once per element_name, rather than repeating under every spec column?
Thanks in advance!
1 Reply
- Greg_DecklerCommunity Champion
sirbaklava Sorry, having trouble following, can you post sample data as text and expected output?
Not really enough information to go on, please first check if your issue is a common issue listed here: https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/Before-You-Post-Read-This/ba-p/1116882
Also, please see this post regarding How to Get Your Question Answered Quickly: https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/How-to-Get-Your-Question-Answered-Quickly/ba-p/38490
The most important parts are:
1. Sample data as text, use the table tool in the editing bar
2. Expected output from sample data
3. Explanation in words of how to get from 1. to 2.