Forum Discussion
issue with dynamic formatting
Thanks for confirming those steps — sounds like you're doing everything right on the surface. Since the dynamic format still isn't applying in the visual, here are a few deeper checks you can try:
1. Double-check the measure assignment
Make sure the dynamic format string is assigned to the same measure that’s being used in the visual. Sometimes a copy or renamed version of the measure is used in the chart, and the formatting doesn’t carry over.
2. Use FORMAT function as a fallback
If the visual still ignores the format string, you can try formatting the value manually in a new measure:
Formatted Value = VAR _value = [YourMeasure] VAR _format = SWITCH ( TRUE(), _value < 1E3, "#,0", _value < 1E6, "#,0.0,K", _value < 1E9, "#,0.0,,M", "#,0,,B" ) RETURN FORMAT(_value, _format)Then use this Formatted Value in a card or table visual to test if the formatting logic works as expected.
⚠️Note: This won't work in bar/column charts directly since they expect numeric values — but it's a good way to debug the format logic.
3. Try a clean test visual
Sometimes visuals cache formatting. Try:
- Creating a new bar chart from scratch.
- Drag the measure again.
- Set display units to None.
- Recheck if the dynamic format kicks in.
4. Known limitation
Dynamic format strings don’t always apply to data labels in visuals like bar/column charts — especially if the visual is using auto-scaling or display units. In that case, it might be a current limitation of the visual engine.
translation and formatting supported by AI
Hi pp_123 ,
The issue is caused by Power BI’s visual-level auto-scaling adding units like “K” or “M” on top of your dynamic DAX formatting, which also includes “K” or “M”. This results in labels like “0.0KK” or “0.0KM”. Although your formatting works correctly in a table visual, bar or column charts apply their own unit scaling unless explicitly told not to. To fix this, go to the visual where the labels are incorrect, then under the format pane, find the axis or data label settings and set the “Display units” to “None” instead of “Auto”. This disables Power BI’s automatic abbreviation and lets your custom DAX format take full control.
You can also simplify and future-proof your dynamic format string like this:
VAR _currentvalue = SUM('Sales By Product Details'[Sale])
RETURN
SWITCH(
TRUE(),
_currentvalue < 1E3, "#,0",
_currentvalue < 1E6, "#,0,.0 K",
_currentvalue < 1E9, "#,0,,.0 M",
"#,0,,,.0 B"
)
This avoids overlapping format definitions and makes it easier to read and debug.
Best regards,
Hi DataNinja777 ,
Thank you for replying so promptly! Unfortunately, changing the display units to "None" didn't work. Additionally I tried it with your code as well. No luck!