When we talk about transforming your data as well as tidying it up you can also add extra columns to your data and again this will be added as steps and inserted every time you refresh your data. There are three key types of column you can add, Columns By Example, Custom Columns and Conditional Columns.

Columns in Power BI

Columns by Example

This is where you can choose to build extra columns based on existing data following patterns. For example if you have Name and Surname in separate columns and you want to create a combined column showing both.

Custom Column

This allows you to create calculated columns using your existing data. You can give it a name and then build a formula by double clicking on fields in the field list. For example you might have a cost per head and number of people and you want to multiple the two to get a total income figure. As you build the formula it will show at the bottom if it is correct or if you have syntax errors.

BI custom columns

Conditional Column

Conditional columns allow you to create columns based on conditions in other fields. For example work out the type of travel based on different criteria. You can have multiple conditions and then an otherwise option to cover anything else.

BI conditional column

Want to Learn More?

To help you master Power BI, we run a two day Power BI course, to find out more about this please visit the course page: Power BI – Introduction. For a full list of public programme dates please visit our Public Programme Dates page.

Alternatively if you have a group requiring training we can organise dates to suit you.

Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions on 0203 9503730 or by email on training@underscore-group.com.


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