Proposal: Dynamic Labels for Measures in Power BI

[K-Data]

Problem Description

Currently, when defining a measure in Power BI, its name is static and cannot change dynamically based on filters or data context. This can create confusion for end users when a calculated measure like SALES_YEAR_TODAY always retains the same name, even though its values change over time.

If we define the following measure:

DAX

SALES_YEAR_TODAY = CALCULATE(SUM('TABLE'[Sales]), 'TABLE'[YEAR] = YEAR(TODAY()))

The measure name will always be SALES_YEAR_TODAY, even though the calculation only applies to the current year (e.g., 2025).

Ideally, we should be able to dynamically rename the measure based on the current year so that in 2025, the measure appears as "SALES_2025", and in 2026, it automatically updates to "SALES_2026" without manual intervention.

Proposed Solution

Introduce a feature in Power BI that allows dynamic measure names. This could be implemented in two ways:

DAX-Based Naming: Allow measure names to be derived from a DAX expression, such as:

DAX

"SALES_" & YEAR(TODAY())

Power BI Desktop Setting: Provide an option in the measure settings to enable dynamic renaming based on the data model's context.

Benefits

Improved report clarity: Users would see updated measure names without additional interpretation.

Automation & reduced maintenance: No need to manually update measure names each year.

Better user experience: Reports become more intuitive and easier to understand.

Use Cases

Sales, revenue, or annual metrics that should reflect the current year without manual updates.

Financial reports comparing different periods that require dynamically updated measure labels.