Forum Discussion

Anonymous

Not applicable

6 years ago

Solved

merging and appending

Hi, Can anyone help me with an example that what is the difference between append queries and merge queries??? thanks

AntrikshSharma
6 years ago
When you append, you are increasing rows, when you merge you are increasing columns.
v-yingjl
6 years ago
Hi Anonymous ,
Append:
Datasets are typically appended when there is no change to the table schema or data model. Appending can use the same schema since the values of one dataset are added after the existing values of another.
If the table schemas are different, the output will contain missing values for the columns not contained in both datasets.
Merge:
Datasets should be combined by merging when additional attributes need to be added to the table schema or data model.
Merging requires a common attribute to join on, this ensures that the new attributes are correctly matched within the output. There can be missing values within either dataset provided the attribute being merged upon does not contain missing values.

Here is the sample about merge and append result that you can refer: append vs merge.pbix
In addition, you can refer the following articles and video for further details:
Append vs Merge in Power BI and Power Query
Merge Vs. Append In Power BI In Power Query Editor
Power BI Merging and Appending Queries

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

Community Support

6 years ago

Hi Anonymous ,

Append:
- Datasets are typically appended when there is no change to the table schema or data model. Appending can use the same schema since the values of one dataset are added after the existing values of another.
  If the table schemas are different, the output will contain missing values for the columns not contained in both datasets.
Merge:
- Datasets should be combined by merging when additional attributes need to be added to the table schema or data model.
  Merging requires a common attribute to join on, this ensures that the new attributes are correctly matched within the output. There can be missing values within either dataset provided the attribute being merged upon does not contain missing values.

Here is the sample about merge and append result that you can refer: append vs merge.pbix

In addition, you can refer the following articles and video for further details:

Best Regards,
Yingjie Li

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