Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Join us for an expert-led overview of the tools and concepts you'll need to become a Certified Power BI Data Analyst and pass exam PL-300. Register now.

Reply
Anonymous
Not applicable

Query parameter vs merged table inner join

Opinions and technical solutions greatly appreciated please.

I am building a SQL database query based on query parameters from Power BI Desktop. Users will enter the parameter (text value) which will pre-filter the data brought into the dashboard. Nothing controversial about that.

However, the parameter affects a single dimension table from the database. I have other dependent dimensions, and of course the fact table, that I would like to filter as part of the query too. The affected parameter field is not present in those other tables.

So, I have two options:

1) Amend my SQL queries to include the parameter field in every imported table, and 'filter rows by parameter' in Power Query;

2) Leave the SQL queries as they are, and use a merge function (inner join) on each of the other tables to return only the rows that match the table filtered by the query parameter.

Which of these methods would be most efficient?

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION
Mariusz
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi @Anonymous 

I would start with second optoin and if the Query Foliding output is satisfying just stick with that.

Regards,
Mariusz

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

View solution in original post

1 REPLY 1
Mariusz
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi @Anonymous 

I would start with second optoin and if the Query Foliding output is satisfying just stick with that.

Regards,
Mariusz

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

Helpful resources

Announcements
Join our Fabric User Panel

Join our Fabric User Panel

This is your chance to engage directly with the engineering team behind Fabric and Power BI. Share your experiences and shape the future.

June 2025 Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - June 2025

Check out the June 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

June 2025 community update carousel

Fabric Community Update - June 2025

Find out what's new and trending in the Fabric community.