Whole Number - Sematic Model

[CEllis]

Converting a True/False column to a whole number in a dataflow and then editing it in the semantic model to summarize by 'Sum' isnt showing the sum symbol next to the field when editing it in PowerBi services online. 

Usually it would give you the option to sum, count etc.

Does anyone know why this is not allowing me to do this ?

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @CEllis ,
We wanted to kindly follow up regarding your query. If you need any further assistance, please reach out.
Thank you.

[GilbertQ]

Hi @CEllis 

When you click on the column in the data flow you should be able to see what the data type is and from what you are showing in your example it is showing it as a text field. Changes from text to whole number and see if that solves your issue.

[CEllis]

Hi @GilbertQ 

In the screen shot it shows as whole number is this what you are refering to ?

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @CEllis ,
Thanks for reaching out to Microsoft Fabric Community.

I tried to reproduce this by converting a True/False column to Whole Number in a dataflow and using it in a table visual. In my test, the column shows the sigma icon and aggregation options such as Sum and Count are available.

Since the sigma icon is not visible in your case, it suggests that the column is still being treated as a non-aggregatable or categorical field in the semantic model, even though the data type is Whole Number.

This can happen if the metadata change from the dataflow has not fully propagated, or if the column is being treated as a key or attribute.

I would recommend refreshing the semantic model and confirming the column’s data type and default summarization in the model.

Hope this helps. Please reach out for further assistance.
Thank you.

[CEllis]

Hi @v-veshwara-msft 

I've tried the soloution and it stays the same.

Would it make a differnce between editing it online as apose to editing it using the desktop version.

[SaiTejaTalasila]

Hi @CEllis ,

Recheck the column's data type in the semantic model-if it's still Text, Power BI won't show the sum option. Convert it properly to Whole Number and refresh, or use a DAX measure for reliable aggregation.

Thanks,

Sai Teja 

[v-veshwara-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @CEllis ,

Thanks for confirming.

Yes, there can be differences between working in Power BI Service and Desktop, depending on how the semantic model is configured.

In Power BI Desktop, you have full control over the model, and numeric columns typically show the sigma icon and aggregation options as expected. In Power BI Service, this behavior can differ if the dataset is using a live connection, Direct Lake mode, or a shared semantic model, where some modeling properties are not fully exposed.

Since the behavior remains unchanged after refresh, I would suggest downloading the semantic model into Power BI Desktop (if that option is available), verifying the column data type and default summarization there, and then republishing.

Please reach out for further assistance.
Thank you.

[v-veshwara-msft]

Hi @CEllis ,
Just wanted to check if the response provided was helpful. If further assistance is needed, please reach out.
Thank you.