{"id":2096,"date":"2025-04-29T13:16:50","date_gmt":"2025-04-29T03:16:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dynamicwebtraining.com.au\/blog\/?p=2096"},"modified":"2025-06-23T14:59:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-23T04:59:37","slug":"how-to-write-your-first-dax-measures-in-power-bi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dynamicwebtraining.com.au\/blog\/how-to-write-your-first-dax-measures-in-power-bi","title":{"rendered":"How to Write Your First DAX Measures in Power BI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Data Analysis Expressions – DAX is a powerful and versatile formula language used in business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Excel, Power Pivot, and SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular. It plays a pivotal role in creating dynamic visualizations, leading to insightful data analysis. Mastering DAX is essential<\/a> for getting the most value out of these tools, it empowers analysts towards data-driven decision-making.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

This step-by-step guide elaborates on the value of DAX in business intelligence tools and the professional significance of mastering it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Measures vs. Calculated Columns: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>Calculated Column<\/th>Measure<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Evaluation Time<\/strong><\/td>Row-by-row (when data is loaded)<\/td>On the fly (when queried)<\/td><\/tr>
Storage<\/strong><\/td>Takes up space in the model<\/td>No extra storage required<\/td><\/tr>
Use Case<\/strong><\/td>Creating new data fields<\/td>Aggregating\/analyzing data<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tip: Use measures<\/strong> when you’re calculating totals, averages, or business KPIs.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Step-by-Step: Writing Basic DAX Formulas<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


Step 1: Load the Dataset<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Download the Adventure Works Sales<\/a> dataset.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Open Power BI Desktop<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Go to Home > Get Data > Excel<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Select your file AdventureWorks Sales.xlsx<\/strong> and click Load<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. From the right-hand pane, open the Data<\/strong> pane.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \"1<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Step 2: Create Your First Measure \u2013 Total Sales<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    1. Right-click on the table Sales > New measure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Enter the following DAX:
      Total Sales = SUM(Sales[Sales Amount])<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Press Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Right-click the Sales<\/strong> table and select New Measure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Enter the following DAX formula: Average Sales = AVERAGE(Sales[Sales Amount])<\/code><\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Right-click the Customer<\/strong> table and select New Measure<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Use the following formula: Customer Count = COUNT(Customer[Customer ID])<\/code><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Step 4: Add Measures to Table Visuals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n