Skip to main content
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 

Get Fabric Certified for FREE during Fabric Data Days. Don't miss your chance! Request now

Reply
rylach
Helper II
Helper II

Using excel and database tables in one dataset

Hi,

 

Is it possible to use in one data model / dataset tables from MS SQL and excel tables?

 

I have an MS SQL server connected to Power BI via Power BI Gateway, I can create (in PBI Desktop) and publish reports basing on the DB and then schedule refresh.

 

I'm trying to add to my datamodel some tables from excel file stored on Onedrive for business or Sharepoint site (in Power BI Desktop. file is connected directly, from local, synchronized with Onedrive / SP folder). Then, after publishing to cloud I cannot refresh the data - which seems reasonable (the datasource is local file).

 

On the other hand, it should be possible to add the data from excel workbook with refresh, as  written in https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-service-excel-workbook-files/, but how to add it to existing (with SQL tables) data model?

 

Is it possible?

 

TIA

R.

"First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win." - Mohandas Gandhi.
2 REPLIES 2
v-huizhn-msft
Microsoft Employee
Microsoft Employee

Hi @rylach

If you get data from excel stored in OneDrive or Sharepoint as the article said, you don't need to use gateway to refresh data. You can create the schedule refresh to refresh your data.


https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-refresh-excel-file-onedrive/
https://powerbi.microsoft.com/en-us/documentation/powerbi-refresh-data/

Best Regards,
Angelia

But I cannot have database (refreshed via PBI Gateway) and excel tables (refreshed automatically from file stored on Onedrive), right?

 

"First they ignore you. Then they laugh at you. Then they fight you. Then you win." - Mohandas Gandhi.

Helpful resources

Announcements
Fabric Data Days Carousel

Fabric Data Days

Advance your Data & AI career with 50 days of live learning, contests, hands-on challenges, study groups & certifications and more!

October Power BI Update Carousel

Power BI Monthly Update - October 2025

Check out the October 2025 Power BI update to learn about new features.

FabCon Atlanta 2026 carousel

FabCon Atlanta 2026

Join us at FabCon Atlanta, March 16-20, for the ultimate Fabric, Power BI, AI and SQL community-led event. Save $200 with code FABCOMM.