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Nicole_PBI
Frequent Visitor

Property "summarize by" vs. create a measure

Hi all,

 

Assuming I want to display Revenue by a category, such as year. 

What is the difference between the following two options:

  1. Set advanced property "summarize by" to Sum, and put the column on the visual.
    Nicole_PBI_0-1633353928976.png
  2. Create a measure: my_measure = sum(Revenue), and put the measure on the visual.
    Nicole_PBI_1-1633354014588.png

     

Are there any differences from a result and design perspective? I'm aware that I'm more flexible by using a measure when it comes to row and filter context. But are there more reasons to use the measure instead of the summarized column? 

 

Thanks.

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
HotChilli
Super User
Super User

From a result perspective : no difference.

From a design perspective : for simple, quick visuals , it's fine to use default summarisations .  For anything else, writing measures gives more control, can aid reuse (though be careful on this), and aids self documentation.

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2 REPLIES 2
HotChilli
Super User
Super User

From a result perspective : no difference.

From a design perspective : for simple, quick visuals , it's fine to use default summarisations .  For anything else, writing measures gives more control, can aid reuse (though be careful on this), and aids self documentation.

Thanks, that helps!

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