How to detect unused columns in the dataset

[anmolmalviya05]

Hi Everyone,
I have a power BI shared semantic model using which there are more than 50+ reports have been created by different developers. 
Now I want to delete few columns from my dataset, How will i confirm that they are used or not in Any of the connected report.

[ibarrau · Accepted solution]

Hi. As far as I know you can't do it. The tools like measure killer or helpers for finding unused columns work for power bi desktop files that contain the dataset and report together. However, if you create 50 reports from a single dataset, I don't think there is something to find the unused columns in all those developments.

I have recently read that Measure Killer (the external tool) has released a new massive version that has interaction with Power Bi Service. If that tool can't do it, then I would say you can't find unused columns for that development.

I hope that helps

[SaiTejaTalasila · Accepted solution]

Hi @anmolmalviya05 ,

You can use tabular editor or dax studio.

https://exceleratorbi.com.au/which-columns-are-not-used-power-bi-data-model/

For invidual reports you need check.

Thanks,

Sai Teja 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi, @anmolmalviya05 

There are a few ways to identify unused columns in shared datasets in Power BI. Here are some options:

VertiPaq Analyzer - https://www.sqlbi.com/tools/vertipaq-analyzer/

Power BI Helper - https://powerbihelper.org/
Power BI Cleaner Gen2 The BIccountant - https://www.thebiccountant.com/2021/06/27/power-bi-cleaner-gen2-is-here/

Be sure to test your changes thoroughly to make sure that they do not break any existing reports or calculations.

How to Get Your Question Answered Quickly

Best Regards

Yongkang Hua

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

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi, @anmolmalviya05 

There are a few ways to identify unused columns in shared datasets in Power BI. Here are some options:

VertiPaq Analyzer - https://www.sqlbi.com/tools/vertipaq-analyzer/

Power BI Helper - https://powerbihelper.org/
Power BI Cleaner Gen2 The BIccountant - https://www.thebiccountant.com/2021/06/27/power-bi-cleaner-gen2-is-here/

Be sure to test your changes thoroughly to make sure that they do not break any existing reports or calculations.

How to Get Your Question Answered Quickly

Best Regards

Yongkang Hua

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

[SaiTejaTalasila · Accepted solution]

Hi @anmolmalviya05 ,

You can use tabular editor or dax studio.

https://exceleratorbi.com.au/which-columns-are-not-used-power-bi-data-model/

For invidual reports you need check.

Thanks,

Sai Teja 

[ibarrau · Accepted solution]

Hi. As far as I know you can't do it. The tools like measure killer or helpers for finding unused columns work for power bi desktop files that contain the dataset and report together. However, if you create 50 reports from a single dataset, I don't think there is something to find the unused columns in all those developments.

I have recently read that Measure Killer (the external tool) has released a new massive version that has interaction with Power Bi Service. If that tool can't do it, then I would say you can't find unused columns for that development.

I hope that helps

[Brunner_BI · Accepted solution]

@anmolmalviya05 @ibarrau 

Measure Killer can do that, even if it is 50 reports that are connected to one dataset.