Power BI is a key tool for efficient data analysis and report creation, but using it "faster and better" requires a few small techniques that many people overlook
This article will introduce essential Power BI tips that you need to know to elevate your work to a professional level
1. Name fields and tables clearly
Naming fields (columns) and tables is often overlooked, with many leaving default names like Column1, Table1 , which leads to:
- It's difficult to continue working because I have to constantly check the actual data
- It can be confusing when writing DAX formulas
- It's difficult to delegate tasks to others because they don't understand the content
Clearly naming fields such as SalesAmount, OrderDate, and CustomerName helps to understand the information immediately and also makes the report look more professional.
Additional tip: Use consistent naming conventions, such as using underscores (_) or camelCase throughout the project, e.g., employeeStartDate, orderDetails.
2. Use a Reference Query instead of a Duplicate Query
When preparing data with Power Query, many people often use the Duplicate Query function to create a copy of the data. However, this unnecessarily consumes extra memory because the system has to copy all the data again
A better approach is to use a Reference Query , which creates a new query that directly references the original data, resulting in:
- Save memory
- Reduce the burden of refreshing data
- Easy to update when the source data changes
How to use: Right-click the desired query → select “Reference”.
3. Set the Data Type correctly in Power Query
Specifying the correct data type in Power Query is another important step that many people overlook. Letting the system guess can lead to problems such as:
- I wrote the formula and got an error
- Data connection error
- Displaying data in the wrong format, such as numbers being displayed as text
The data type should be specified appropriately, such as:
- Decimal Number
- Date
- Code or category ➔ Text
In addition to reducing the problems mentioned above, it also helps to make the data model smaller and faster
4. Structure the data model using a star schema
Designing a data model is key to making Power BI fast and stable. The recommended model is the Star Schema , which means:
- There is a central Fact Table (main data such as Sales, Transaction)
- Surrounded by a Dimension Table (reference data such as Customer, Product, Date)
The advantages of using the Star Schema are:
- Speed up data processing
- Simplify the model
- It helps to write DAX formulas easily and concisely
- Reduce the chances of relationship loops or ambiguity problems
Cleaning up your data model from the start can save you a tremendous amount of time in the long run
5. Use Measures instead of creating Calculated Columns whenever possible
Power BI offers two ways to create calculated data:
- Calculated Column: A new column that is calculated and stored in the table.
- Measure: Dynamic calculation formula; no actual columns are added.
If given the choice, use "Measure" more often because:
- Do not increase the file size of .pbix
- Processing only what is needed helps to speed up the process
- Reduce the burden of refreshing data
Creating a calculated column should only be done when absolutely necessary, such as when the data is needed to create a relationship or as a filter in a report
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