custom sort order across multiple columns

[67nmark]

Hello,

I am using Power BI to report on survey results data. I have 10 columns with the same answer options (Yes, No, Not sure, NA). I want to set a custom sort order on all columns that use these answer options.

I have created a reference table with an AnswerID and AnswerText column and have created a relationship between this table and the first column with those answer options. Everything works great.

I start running into trouble when I try to use the same reference table on another column. I have solved the problem by copying the reference table as many times as I need it and making relationships between each reference table and the column in question.

So, could someone tell me if there's a recognised way to deal with this type of situation where I only need one reference table that can work across all columns?

Thanks in advance for any guidance.

Cheers,

Mark

[Anonymous]

I have the same issue but with a survey of 70+ questions. Creating a new sort_order column for each question is a complete waste of time. Does anyone have any new solutions to this issue?

I see that this is a common issue and I am really confused as to why Microsoft doesn't simply enable manual sorting within the visual... 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

@67nmark,

In your scenario,  you can create the following sort columns  in your table.

sort1 = RELATED(Reference[AnswerID])
sort2 = LOOKUPVALUE(Reference[AnswerID],Reference[AnswerText],Table[Column2])
sort3 = LOOKUPVALUE(Reference[AnswerID],Reference[AnswerText],Table[Column3])
……
sort10 = LOOKUPVALUE(Reference[AnswerID],Reference[AnswerText],Table[Column10])

Then you can sort the 10 columns by using these sort columns.

Regards,
Lydia

[67nmark]

Thanks Lydia,

I'm thinking it's probably easier for me to do what I've done but that's a handy answer.

Cheers,

Mark