Forum Discussion
Should I use dimension tables?
Hi all,
Recently I'm trying to build a data model for my report. I met some problems and hope to get advices from you
It's a small dataset, I hope to use star schema - One fact table in middle with multiple dimension tables around it.
Some of my dimension tables are very small - about 4 or 5 rows and only 2 columns, like one column for ID:A,B,C,D, one column of descriptions for each ID: A -Apple , B-Banana,etc.
My question is, should I build them as individual dimension tables, and build relationships with fact table.Or, should I contain these descriptions in my fact table so I can get a simple model?
Appreciate for any advices!
My advice would be to use the dimensions and keep it clean. It will help in the future in case you want to have more than one fact table. But in case you are sure no more fact is going to come and you are creating a dimension in power bi (not at source), then you can avoid.
Also, refer guidelines from powerbi team
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guidance/
Also, make sure you create a date table
https://radacad.com/creating-calendar-table-in-power-bi-using-dax-functions
Appreciate your Kudos. In case, this is the solution you are looking for, mark it as the Solution. In case it does not help, please provide additional information and mark me with @
Thanks.
My Recent Blog - https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/Comparing-Data-Across-Date-Ranges/ba-p/823601
2 Replies
- amitchandak
Super User
My advice would be to use the dimensions and keep it clean. It will help in the future in case you want to have more than one fact table. But in case you are sure no more fact is going to come and you are creating a dimension in power bi (not at source), then you can avoid.
Also, refer guidelines from powerbi team
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/guidance/
Also, make sure you create a date table
https://radacad.com/creating-calendar-table-in-power-bi-using-dax-functions
Appreciate your Kudos. In case, this is the solution you are looking for, mark it as the Solution. In case it does not help, please provide additional information and mark me with @
Thanks.
My Recent Blog - https://community.powerbi.com/t5/Community-Blog/Comparing-Data-Across-Date-Ranges/ba-p/823601