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djm7
Helper I
Helper I

sql query against imported table in semantic model

can I run a sql query against data imported into the semantic model in power bi desktop

2 ACCEPTED SOLUTIONS
BA_Pete
Super User
Super User

Hi @djm7 ,

 

The short answer is no, you can't query model data using SQL within Power BI Desktop. PBI models use the tabular structure and are optimised for DAX and MDX queries.

However, depending on your use-case, you may be able leverage Datamarts, but you've not provided enough information to understand whether this is feasible/appropriate or not:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/datamarts/datamarts-analyze 

 

Pete



Now accepting Kudos! If my post helped you, why not give it a thumbs-up?

Proud to be a Datanaut!




View solution in original post

rohit1991
Super User
Super User

 

 

No, you cannot run SQL queries directly on imported data in Power BI’s semantic model. Instead:

  • Use DAX queries (via DAX Studio or Analyze in Excel) for querying.
  • Use SQL in Power Query before importing data.
  • In DirectQuery mode, write SQL queries to retrieve data from the source.
  • For Pro/Premium, use XMLA endpoints for external querying.

Did it work? ✔ Give a Kudo • Mark as Solution – help others too!

View solution in original post

2 REPLIES 2
rohit1991
Super User
Super User

 

 

No, you cannot run SQL queries directly on imported data in Power BI’s semantic model. Instead:

  • Use DAX queries (via DAX Studio or Analyze in Excel) for querying.
  • Use SQL in Power Query before importing data.
  • In DirectQuery mode, write SQL queries to retrieve data from the source.
  • For Pro/Premium, use XMLA endpoints for external querying.

Did it work? ✔ Give a Kudo • Mark as Solution – help others too!
BA_Pete
Super User
Super User

Hi @djm7 ,

 

The short answer is no, you can't query model data using SQL within Power BI Desktop. PBI models use the tabular structure and are optimised for DAX and MDX queries.

However, depending on your use-case, you may be able leverage Datamarts, but you've not provided enough information to understand whether this is feasible/appropriate or not:

https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/transform-model/datamarts/datamarts-analyze 

 

Pete



Now accepting Kudos! If my post helped you, why not give it a thumbs-up?

Proud to be a Datanaut!




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