Notes on Power BI Visual Calculations

Introduction

• Common struggle with DAX formulas in Power BI.
• Introduction of visual calculations to simplify writing DAX measures.
• Visual calculations allow direct field references in visuals, making reporting easier.

Getting Started with Visual Calculations

• Follow along with the example file linked in the video description.
• Prior to visual calculations, running totals required complex DAX formulas.
• Now, you can select the visual and go to the Home tab to access new calculations.

Creating a Running Total

• Select the visual to add a running total.
• Open the visual calculation pane by clicking on FX.
• Use templates available, including one for running sum.
• The running sum takes one argument: the field (e.g., sum of sales).
• Example:
  • Select sum of sales to create a running total by month.
• Option to hide the sum of sales in the visual (cannot delete it as it’s used in the calculation).
• Visual calculations respond to drill up/down functionality and support filters.

Moving Average Calculation

• Moving average formulas are typically complex but simplified with visual calculations.
• Steps:
  • Click on new calculation and choose the moving average template.
  • Input field (sum of sales) and window size (e.g., 3 periods).
  • Example: Named "3 month moving average" and press enter.

Editing Visual Calculations

• Editing a visual calculation is straightforward.
• Click on the calculation to edit it, returning to the visual calculation pane.

Limitations of Visual Calculations

• Visual calculations do not appear in the field list like regular measures; cannot apply number formatting directly.
• Example of adding a calculation:
  • Create a calculation for percentage of grand total.
  • Formula: sum of sales / collapse all (to calculate total across the matrix).
• Workaround for formatting: wrap the calculation in the format function.
• Example for formatting: format(..., "0.00%") to display as percentage.

Conditional Formatting

• Currently, visual calculations do not support conditional formatting.
• Use alternative methods, such as right-clicking for "show values as" options.

Additional Features and Updates

• Visual calculations are a preview feature; limitations may be improved in future updates.
• Ensure you are using the latest version of Power BI Desktop.
• Enable visual calculations under preview features in options settings.
• Restart Power BI to access new features.

Conclusion

• Visual calculations enhance data analysis accessibility and efficiency.
• Encouragement for Excel users to improve their skills with Power BI.
• Upcoming video will provide a step-by-step guide for users.