Power BI Matrix - Show Distinct Count as a Separate Column While Comparing Categories

[sirbaklava]

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!

[Greg_Deckler]

@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.