Interview

PowerBIzed
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Crack Every POWER BI Interview Like a Pro
Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

linkedin.com/in/vinaykumarpanika/
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

Power BI Basics
1. What is Power BI?

2. What are the main components of Power BI?

3. What are the different versions of Power BI?

4. What are the different data sources supported by Power BI?

5. What are the types of Power BI visuals?

What is the difference between Power BI Desktop and Power BI

6.
Service?

7. What is Power BI Report Server?

8. What is Power Query?

9. What is Power Pivot?

10. What is Power BI Gateway?

11. What is Power View in Power BI?

12. What is Power Map in Power BI?

13. What is Power BI Mobile?

14. What is a Power BI Dataset?

15. What are the advantages of using Power BI?

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Data Sources and Data

Connections
16. How do you connect Power BI to SQL Server?

17. What is the difference between DirectQuery and Import Mode?

18. How do you connect Power BI to an Excel file?

19. How do you connect Power BI to a cloud-based data source?

20. How do you refresh data in Power BI?

What is the difference between Power BI Personal and

21.
Enterprise Gateway?

22. How do you handle large datasets in Power BI?

23. Can Power BI connect to live streaming data?

What are the different file formats supported for importing

24.
data into Power BI?

25. What is the Common Data Service (CDS) in Power BI?

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Data Transformation & Data

Modeling
26. How do you clean data using Power Query?

27. What is the difference between M language and DAX?

28. How do you remove duplicate values in Power BI?

29. What is the use of the "Merge Queries" function?

30. How do you split a column in Power BI?

31. What is a relationship in Power BI?

32. What are the different types of relationships in Power BI?

33. What is a Star Schema in Power BI?

34. What is a Snowflake Schema?

35. How do you create a calculated column in Power BI?

36. How do you create a measure in Power BI?

37. What is the difference between Calculated Columns and Measures?

38. How do you use conditional columns in Power BI?

39. How do you handle missing values in Power BI?

40. How do you filter data using slicers in Power BI?

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DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)

41. What is DAX?

42. What are some common DAX functions?

43. What is the difference between SUM() and SUMX()?

44. What is the difference between CALCULATE() and FILTER()?

45. What is the difference between ALL() and ALLEXCEPT()?

46. How do you calculate running totals in Power BI?

How do you calculate the difference between two columns in

47.
Power BI?

48. What is the difference between EARLIER() and EARLIEST()?

How do you perform time intelligence calculations in Power

49.
BI?

50. What is the purpose of the RELATED() function in Power BI?

51. How do you create a calculated table in Power BI?

52. What is the difference between DISTINCT() and VALUES()?

53. How do you create a dynamic ranking in Power BI using DAX?

54. What is the purpose of the VAR function in DAX?

55. How do you use the SWITCH() function in DAX?

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Power BI Visualizations
56. What are the different types of charts available in Power BI?

What is the difference between a table and a matrix in Power

57.
BI?

58. How do you create a custom visual in Power BI?

59. What is a KPI visual in Power BI?

60. How do you create a drill-through report in Power BI?

61. What is the use of a hierarchy in Power BI?

62. What is a tooltip in Power BI?

63. How do you create a waterfall chart in Power BI?

64. What is a decomposition tree visual?

65. How do you create a forecast in Power BI?

66. What is a sync slicer in Power BI?

67. What is a scatter plot and when should you use it?

68. How do you add conditional formatting to a Power BI table?

69. What is an ArcGIS Map in Power BI?

70. What is a ribbon chart in Power BI?

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Power BI Service & Publishing

Reports
How do you publish a Power BI report to the Power BI
71.
Service?

72. What are Power BI Workspaces?

73. What is a Power BI App?

74. How do you share reports in Power BI?

75. What is row-level security (RLS) in Power BI?

76. How do you create dashboards in Power BI Service?

77. What is a Power BI Dataflow?

78. How do you schedule data refresh in Power BI?

79. How do you use Power Automate with Power BI?

80. What is a Power BI Paginated Report?

81. How do you embed a Power BI report in a website?

82. How do you enable Q&A in Power BI?

83. What are bookmarks in Power BI?

84. What is Power BI Deployment Pipeline?

85. How do you collaborate with team members in Power BI?

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Performance Optimization in
Power BI
86. How do you improve Power BI report performance?

87. How do you optimize DAX queries?

88. What is lazy loading in Power BI?

89. How do you reduce the size of a Power BI file?

90. How do you use aggregations in Power BI?

91. What is the impact of too many visuals on report performance?

92. How do you use composite models in Power BI?

93. What is query folding in Power BI?

What is the difference between import mode and direct query

94.
mode in terms of performance?

95. How do you handle large datasets in Power BI?

Power BI Integration & Advanced

Features
96. How do you integrate Power BI with SQL Server?

97. How do you integrate Power BI with Python?

98. What is Power BI AI Insights?

99. How do you create a Power BI report using R?

100. What is the difference between Power BI and Tableau?

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Power BI Basics
1. What is Power BI?
Power BI is a business intelligence tool developed by Microsoft that allows users to
connect to multiple data sources, transform and model data, create interactive
reports and dashboards, and share insights across an organization. It provides a
user-friendly interface for data visualization, analytics, and reporting.

2. What are the main components of Power BI?

The main components of Power BI are:
Power BI Desktop: A Windows application for creating reports and dashboards.
Power BI Service: A cloud-based platform for sharing and collaborating on
reports.
Power BI Mobile: A mobile application for viewing reports on smartphones and
tablets.
Power BI Gateway: A bridge to connect on-premises data sources with Power BI
Service.
Power BI Report Server: An on-premises solution for hosting Power BI reports.
Power BI Embedded: A tool for integrating Power BI reports into custom
applications.

3. What are the different versions of Power BI?

Power BI is available in different versions:
Power BI Free: A basic version with limited features, suitable for individual use.
Power BI Pro: A paid version that allows collaboration, sharing, and data refresh.
Power BI Premium: Provides advanced capabilities, dedicated cloud capacity,
and enhanced performance for enterprises.
Power BI Embedded: Designed for developers to integrate Power BI reports into
applications.
Power BI Report Server: For on-premises report hosting with SQL Server
licensing.

4. What are the different data sources supported

by Power BI?
Power BI supports a wide range of data sources, including:
Databases: SQL Server, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, etc.
Cloud Services: Azure SQL Database, Google BigQuery, Amazon Redshift, etc.
Files: Excel, CSV, JSON, XML, PDF, etc.
Online Services: SharePoint, Salesforce, Google Analytics, etc.
Other Sources: Web data, REST APIs, OData feeds, Power BI datasets.
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5. What are the types of Power BI visuals?

Power BI provides various visualizations, including:
Bar and Column Charts: Used for comparing categorical data.
Line Chart: Shows trends over time.
Pie and Donut Charts: Displays proportions.
Table and Matrix: Shows detailed data in tabular format.
Card: Displays a single value or KPI.
Map Visuals: Displays geographical data (Filled Map, ArcGIS, etc.).
Treemap: Represents hierarchical data using nested rectangles.
Gauge Chart: Used for KPIs and progress tracking.
Scatter and Bubble Charts: Shows relationships between variables.
Waterfall Chart: Used for understanding financial or sequential data changes.
Custom Visuals: Additional visuals from the Power BI Marketplace.

6. What is the difference between Power BI

Desktop and Power BI Service?

Feature Power BI Desktop Power BI Service

A free application for creating A cloud-based service for

Definition reports and dashboards on a sharing, collaborating, and
local computer. publishing reports online.

Used for data modeling,

Used for viewing, sharing, and
Usage transformations, and report
scheduling reports.
creation.

Mostly used for report

Handles data transformation
Data Processing consumption and refresh
using Power Query and DAX.
scheduling.

Stores files as .pbix on a local Stores reports in the cloud

Storage
machine. (Power BI workspace).

Users publish reports from Reports in Power BI Service

Publishing Power BI Desktop to Power BI can be embedded, shared, or
Service. refreshed automatically.
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7. What is Power BI Report Server?

Power BI Report Server is an on-premises reporting solution for organizations that
prefer to keep their data behind a firewall instead of using the cloud.
It allows users to create, store, and manage Power BI reports, paginated reports,
and mobile reports on their own servers.
Reports can be accessed via a web browser or Power BI mobile app.
It is included with Power BI Premium licensing.

8. What is Power Query?

Power Query is a data transformation and ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool in
Power BI.
It helps users connect, clean, reshape, and transform data before loading it into
Power BI.
It supports multiple data sources like Excel, SQL, APIs, and cloud databases.
It uses a formula language called M Language for advanced data transformations.

9. What is Power Pivot?

Power Pivot is a data modeling component in Power BI that allows users to:
Create relationships between tables.
Use DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) for advanced calculations.
Handle large datasets efficiently by using in-memory compression.
Power Pivot is essential for building complex analytical models in Power BI.

10. What is Power BI Gateway?

Power BI Gateway is a bridge that connects on-premises data sources to the Power
BI Service without moving the data to the cloud.
It enables automatic data refresh from SQL databases, Excel files, and other on-
premise sources.
There are two types of gateways:
Personal Mode (for individual use)
Standard Mode (for team or enterprise use)
It is essential for organizations needing real-time data updates in Power BI
dashboards while keeping data stored securely on local servers.

11. What is Power View in Power BI?

Power View is an interactive data visualization feature in Power BI that allows users
to create dynamic reports and dashboards.
It supports charts, graphs, maps, and tables.
Users can filter and highlight data dynamically.
It was originally available in Excel and SharePoint but is now integrated into
Power BI Desktop.
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12. What is Power Map in Power BI?

Power Map is a 3D data visualization tool in Power BI that helps users plot
geographic data on a map.
It enables users to create animated visualizations of data over time.
It supports Bing Maps for location-based analysis.
It is now integrated into Power BI as Map and Filled Map visuals.

13. What is Power BI Mobile?

Power BI Mobile is the mobile application version of Power BI that allows users to
view and interact with reports and dashboards on their smartphones or tablets.
Available for iOS, Android, and Windows devices.
Supports real-time data monitoring and notifications.
Allows users to annotate and share reports directly from the app.
14. What is a Power BI Dataset?
A Power BI Dataset is a structured collection of data that has been imported,
connected, or transformed within Power BI for analysis and visualization.
It can be sourced from databases, Excel, APIs, and cloud services.
Supports DirectQuery, Import Mode, and Live Connection for data refresh.
Datasets can be shared and reused across multiple reports.

15. What are the advantages of using Power BI?

Power BI offers several benefits, including:
Ease of Use – Drag-and-drop interface for creating reports and dashboards.
Multiple Data Sources – Supports connections to databases, Excel, APIs, and
cloud services.
Interactive Visualizations – Provides a wide range of charts and graphs.
Data Refresh & Automation – Allows scheduled refreshes for real-time data
updates.
Cloud & On-Premises Access – Works on both Power BI Service (cloud) and
Power BI Report Server (on-premises).
Security & Compliance – Supports Row-Level Security (RLS) and integrates with
Azure security features.
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Data Sources and Data Connections

16. How do you connect Power BI to SQL Server?
To connect Power BI to SQL Server, follow these steps:
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Click on Home → Get Data → SQL Server.
3. Enter the Server Name and Database Name (if applicable).
4. Choose the connection type:
Import (loads data into Power BI).
DirectQuery (queries data directly from SQL Server).
5. Click OK, select the required tables, and load the data.

17. What is the difference between DirectQuery

and Import Mode?

Feature DirectQuery Import Mode

Queries data live from

Data Storage Stores data in Power BI
the source

Slower, as it queries the Faster, as data is

Performance
database live preloaded

No need for scheduled Requires scheduled

Data Refresh
refresh; always live refreshes

Large datasets that Smaller datasets or when

Use Case
change frequently speed is crucial

18. How do you connect Power BI to an Excel file?

1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Click on Home → Get Data → Excel.
3. Browse and select the Excel file.
4. Choose the sheet or table to import.
5. Click Load to import the data or Transform Data to modify it in Power Query
Editor.
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19. How do you connect Power BI to a cloud-based

data source?
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Click Home → Get Data → More.
3. Choose the cloud service (e.g., Azure, Google BigQuery, Snowflake, Salesforce,
SharePoint Online).
4. Enter the required credentials (OAuth, API Key, or Database Credentials).
5. Select the necessary dataset and load it into Power BI.
For Power BI Service, cloud-based connections are managed using Dataflows and
Gateways.

20. How do you refresh data in Power BI?

In Power BI Desktop:
Click Home → Refresh to update the data.
If using DirectQuery, data updates automatically
In Power BI Service:
1.Go to Power BI Service (app.powerbi.com).
2.Navigate to Dataset → Refresh Now.
3.Configure Scheduled Refresh under dataset settings for automatic updates.
For On-Premises Data:
Use Power BI Gateway to enable scheduled refreshes.

21. What is the difference between Power BI

Personal and Enterprise Gateway?
Feature Personal Gateway Enterprise Gateway

Use Case Individual users Enterprise-wide data access

Cannot be used for scheduled Supports scheduled refresh

Sharing
refresh or shared datasets and shared reports

Supports both Import and

Data Sources Supports only Import mode
DirectQuery mode

Installed per user on a Installed on a central server

Installation
personal computer for multiple users

Less secure, as credentials are More secure, with centralized

Security
stored locally authentication
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22. How do you handle large datasets in Power

BI?
1. Use DirectQuery Mode – Avoids loading large data into Power BI, querying the
source directly.
2. Use Aggregations – Pre-aggregate data to reduce the load on visuals.
3. Optimize DAX Queries – Write efficient DAX measures to improve performance.
4. Reduce Cardinality – Avoid unnecessary granularity in data to improve
compression.
5. Partition Data – Use incremental refresh to load only new or changed data.
6. Optimize Data Model – Remove unnecessary columns and use star schema.
7. Use Composite Models – Combine Import mode for frequently used data and
DirectQuery for real-time data.

23. Can Power BI connect to live streaming data?

Yes, Power BI can connect to live streaming data using:
1. Azure Stream Analytics – Processes real-time data from IoT devices and apps.
2. Power BI REST API – Pushes real-time data to Power BI datasets.
3. Streaming Datasets – Allows direct streaming without storing data.
4. PubNub Integration – Connects to PubNub real-time data streams.

24. What are the different file formats supported

for importing data into Power BI?
Power BI supports multiple file formats, including:
Excel Files – .xls, .xlsx
CSV Files – .csv
JSON Files – .json
XML Files – .xml
Text Files – .txt
Parquet Files – .parquet
PBIX Files – Power BI Desktop files
ODS Files – Open Document Spreadsheet

25. What is the Common Data Service (CDS) in Power BI?

Common Data Service (CDS) is a cloud-based storage system that allows secure
and scalable data storage for Power Apps and Power BI.
It provides a standardized data schema for integration across multiple
applications.
CDS Benefits:Centralized data storage.
Secure and role-based access control.
Enables easy data sharing across Power Platform tools (Power Apps, Power
Automate, Power BI).
Reduces the need for complex ETL processes.
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Data Transformation & Data Modeling

26. How do you clean data using Power Query?
Power Query provides various data-cleaning options, including:
1. Remove Null Values – Filter out missing or empty values.
2. Remove Duplicates – Eliminate repeated records.
3. Change Data Types – Convert columns to appropriate formats (e.g., Date,
Number, Text).
4. Trim and Clean Text – Remove extra spaces, special characters, or formatting
errors.
5. Replace Values – Find and replace specific values in a column.
6. Merge and Append Queries – Combine data from multiple sources.
7. Add Custom Columns – Create calculated columns using formulas.
27. What is the difference between M Language
and DAX?
Feature M Language DAX

Used in Power Query for data Used in Power BI for

Purpose
transformation calculations and measures

Performs calculations on
Usage Cleans, transforms, and loads data
loaded data

Functional, step-by-step Formula-based, similar to

Syntax
transformations Excel functions

Runs before data is loaded into the

Execution Runs after data is loaded
model

Table.TransformColumns(Source,
Example SUM(Sales[Amount])
{{"Column1", Text.Upper}})

28. How do you remove duplicate values in

Power BI?
You can remove duplicates in Power BI using Power Query:
Go to Power Query Editor (Transform Data).
Select the column(s) where duplicates should be removed.
Click on "Remove Duplicates" in the Home tab.
Apply and Close to save changes.
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29. What is the use of the "Merge Queries"

function?
The Merge Queries function combines data from two tables based on a common
key (like SQL JOIN).
It helps in data integration from multiple sources.
Available join types:
Inner Join – Only matching records.
Left Outer Join – All records from the first table and matching records from
the second.
Right Outer Join – All records from the second table and matching records
from the first.
Full Outer Join – All records from both tables.
Anti Joins – Finds non-matching records.
Steps:
1. Go to Power Query Editor → Click Merge Queries.
2. Select both tables and choose a common column.
3. Choose the join type and click OK.
4. Expand the merged table to include required columns.

30. How do you split a column in Power BI?

You can split a column in Power BI using Power Query Editor:
1. Select the column you want to split.
2. Click on "Split Column" in the Transform tab.
3. Choose a splitting method:
By Delimiter (comma, space, dash, etc.).
By Number of Characters (fixed width).
4. Click OK to apply changes.
5. Rename the new columns if necessary.
This helps in organizing unstructured data for better analysis.

31. What is a relationship in Power BI?

A relationship in Power BI defines how two or more tables are connected based on
common columns (keys). Relationships help combine data from different tables for
analysis and reporting.
For example, if you have a Sales table and a Customers table, a relationship can link
them using a common column like Customer ID.
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32. What are the different types of relationships

in Power BI?
Power BI supports three types of relationships:
1. One-to-Many (1:M) – Most common; one record in Table A relates to multiple
records in Table B.
Example: One Customer can have many Orders.
2. Many-to-Many (M:M) – Used when multiple records in Table A relate to multiple
records in Table B.
Example: A product can belong to multiple categories, and a category can
have multiple products.
3. One-to-One (1:1) – Each record in Table A has exactly one matching record in
Table B.
Example: A Product Details table with extra specifications linked to the
Products table.
Relationships can be active (default) or inactive (used in DAX calculations).

33. What is a Star Schema in Power BI?

A Star Schema is a simple and efficient database design where a central fact table
connects to multiple dimension tables.
Fact Table → Stores numeric values (sales, revenue, quantity).
Dimension Tables → Store descriptive data (date, customer, product).
Example:
If analyzing sales, the Fact Table = Sales Data, and Dimension Tables = Customers,
Products, Regions, and Dates.
A Star Schema improves query performance and is recommended for Power BI
models.

34. What is a Snowflake Schema?

A Snowflake Schema is a more complex version of the Star Schema, where
dimension tables are normalized (split into sub-tables).
Example:
In a Star Schema, a Product Dimension stores Product Name, Category, and
Supplier in one table.
In a Snowflake Schema, these are split into separate tables (Products, Categories,
Suppliers) to reduce redundancy.
🔹 Pros: Saves storage, improves data integrity.
🔹 Cons: Slower performance due to multiple joins.
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35. How do you create a calculated column in

Power BI?
A calculated column is a new column created using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) in
Power BI.
Steps to create a Calculated Column:
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Select the table where you want to add the column.
3. Go to the Modeling tab → Click New Column.
4. Enter a DAX formula.
Example: Create a column that calculates total sales:

5. Press Enter, and the new column appears in your table.

This helps in adding new insights without modifying the original dataset.

36. How do you create a measure in Power BI?

A measure in Power BI is a DAX formula used for calculations that dynamically
respond to filters and aggregations.
Steps to create a Measure:
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Go to the Modeling tab → Click New Measure.
3. Enter a DAX formula.
4. Press Enter, and the measure is added to the table.
Example: Create a measure to calculate total revenue:

Measures are efficient and dynamic, ideal for aggregation calculations like SUM,
AVERAGE, COUNT, etc.
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37. What is the difference between Calculated

Columns and Measures?
Feature Calculated Columns Measures

Stored in the table as a new Computed at runtime (not

Storage
column stored)

Uses more memory and Efficient, as it calculates

Performance
storage dynamically

Used for row-level Used for aggregations (SUM,

Use Case
calculations AVG, etc.)

Sales[Total] = Sales[Price] * Total Sales = SUM(Sales[Price]

Example
Sales[Quantity] * Sales[Quantity])

Use Calculated Columns when you need static data at row level.
Use Measures for dynamic aggregations in reports.

38. How do you use conditional columns in Power

BI?
A conditional column is used to create new columns based on conditions.
Steps to create a Conditional Column:
1. Open Power Query Editor.
2. Select the table where you want to add the column.
3. Click on "Add Column" → Select "Conditional Column".
4. Define your conditions (e.g., If Sales > 5000, then "High", else "Low").
5. Click OK, and Power BI adds the new column.
Example: Categorizing Sales Performance

This helps in segmenting data for analysis.

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39. How do you handle missing values in Power

BI?
You can handle missing values in Power Query Editor using:
Removing Null Values:
Go to Transform Data → Select Column → Click Remove Rows > Remove Blank
Rows.
Replacing Null Values:
Go to Transform Data → Click Replace Values → Enter the value (e.g., 0 for
numbers, "Unknown" for text).
Using DAX to Replace Nulls:

This ensures data integrity and avoids errors in calculations.

40. How do you filter data using slicers in Power

BI?
A slicer is a visual filter that allows users to filter data interactively.
Steps to add a Slicer:
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Click on "Visualizations" → Select Slicer.
3. Drag a column (e.g., "Region") into the Field area.
4. Resize and format the slicer as needed.
Types of Slicers:
Dropdown Slicer – Compact view.
List Slicer – Shows all values.
Date Range Slicer – Filters based on a date range.
🔹 Slicers improve user experience by providing interactive filtering options.
Let me know if you need more details!
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DAX (Data Analysis Expressions)

41. What is DAX?
DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) is a formula language in Power BI, Excel, and SQL
Server Analysis Services (SSAS) used for creating calculated columns, measures, and
custom tables.
Features of DAX:
Performs aggregations (SUM, AVG, COUNT).
Enables conditional calculations (IF, SWITCH).
Works with date and time functions.
Allows filtering and context-based calculations.
Example: DAX formula for Total Sales:

42. What are some common DAX functions?

DAX functions are categorized into different types:
🔹 Aggregation Functions: SUM(), AVERAGE(), COUNT(), MIN(), MAX().
🔹 Logical Functions: IF(), SWITCH(), AND(), OR().
🔹 Filter Functions: FILTER(), ALL(), ALLEXCEPT(), CALCULATE().
🔹 Date & Time Functions: TODAY(), NOW(), DATEADD(), YEAR(), MONTH().
🔹 Mathematical Functions: ABS(), ROUND(), MOD(), SQRT().
🔹 Text Functions: CONCATENATE(), LEFT(), RIGHT(), LEN(), SEARCH().
Example: Calculate total sales only for 2024

43. What is the difference between SUM() and

SUMX()?
Function Definition Use Case Example

Adds up all values Direct aggregation of a

SUM() SUM(Sales[Amount])
in a column. column.

Iterates through
each row and Used when calculations SUMX(Sales,
SUMX() applies a involve multiple columns Sales[Quantity] *
calculation before or row-wise operations. Sales[Price])
summing.
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Example:

Use SUMX() when a calculated column is involved, otherwise SUM() is sufficient.

44. What is the difference between CALCULATE()

and FILTER()?
Function Definition Use Case Example

Used when
Modifies the
applying filters CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[A
filter
CALCULATE() dynamically mount]), Sales[Category]
context of a
within an = "Electronics")
calculation.
aggregation.

Returns a Used inside

table that functions that FILTER(Sales,
FILTER()
meets a require a table as Sales[Amount] > 5000)
condition. input.

Example:

Use CALCULATE() for modifying filter context in calculations.

Use FILTER() when working with tables or applying row-level filtering.
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45. What is the difference between ALL() and

ALLEXCEPT()?

Function Definition Use Case Example

Removes all
Used when ALL(Sales[Category])
filters from
ALL() ignoring filters removes all filters from
a column or
in calculations. the "Category" column.
table.

Removes all
Used when
filters
keeping some ALLEXCEPT(Sales,
except for
ALLEXCEPT() filters while Sales[Region]) removes
the
removing all filters except "Region".
specified
others.
column(s).

Example:

Use ALL() when you want to remove all filters.

Use ALLEXCEPT() when you want to keep specific filters while removing others.

46. How do you calculate running totals in Power

BI?
A running total (or cumulative total) calculates the sum of values over time while
keeping an accumulating count.
Example DAX Formula for Running Total:
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Explanation:
ALL(Sales[Date]) removes filters to include all dates.
Sales[Date] <= MAX(Sales[Date]) ensures that each row accumulates previous
values.
47. How do you calculate the difference between
two columns in Power BI?
You can create a calculated column or measure to find the difference between two
columns.
Example DAX Formula for Column Difference:

Example DAX Formula for Measure Difference:

Use a calculated column if you need row-level calculations.

Use a measure if you need an aggregated value.
48. What is the difference between EARLIER() and
EARLIEST()?
Function Definition Use Case Example

Used in row-
Refers to a Used to
level
previous row calculate rank,
calculations
EARLIER() context in a previous values,
inside iterators
calculated or percent of
(SUMX(),
column. total.
FILTER()).

Works similarly
but refers to the Rarely needed,
Less commonly
earliest row used in deeply
EARLIEST() used than
context in nested
EARLIER().
nested row calculations.
iterations.
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Example: Using EARLIER() to calculate the rank of sales by customer:

EARLIER() allows comparing the current row with previous rows.

EARLIEST() is mainly for deeply nested calculations (rarely used).

49. How do you perform time intelligence

calculations in Power BI?
Power BI has Time Intelligence functions to analyze data over time, such as Year-to-
Date (YTD), Month-to-Date (MTD), Quarter-to-Date (QTD), and comparisons with
previous periods.
Common Time Intelligence Functions:

Function Purpose Example

Calculates **Year-to- TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]),

TOTALYTD()
Date (YTD) sales. Sales[Date])

Calculates Month-to- TOTALMTD(SUM(Sales[Amount])

TOTALMTD()
Date (MTD) sales. , Sales[Date])

Calculates Quarter-to- TOTALQTD(SUM(Sales[Amount])

TOTALQTD()
Date (QTD) sales. , Sales[Date])

CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]
Gets data for the
),
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR() same period in the
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR(Sales[Da
previous year.
te]))

Shifts dates forward CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]

DATEADD() or backward (days, ), DATEADD(Sales[Date], -1,
months, years). YEAR))

Example: Calculate Year-to-Date Sales

Use these functions to create period comparisons for business insights.

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50. What is the purpose of the RELATED() function

in Power BI?
The RELATED() function fetches values from a related table in a one-to-many
relationship.
Example: If Orders and Customers tables have a relationship on CustomerID, we can
pull customer names into Orders.

Use RELATED() when you need to bring columns from a lookup table into a fact table.

51. How do you create a calculated table in Power BI?

A calculated table is created using DAX and is useful when you need a new table
derived from existing data.
Example: Creating a Summary Table

This table groups data by Region and calculates the Total Sales.
Example: Filtering Data in a New Table

This table contains only orders with an amount greater than 1000.

52. What is the difference between DISTINCT() and

VALUES()?

Function Purpose Behavior Example

Returns unique values Works in both tables DISTINCT(Sales[

DISTINCT()
from a column. and measures. Region])

Can return a single

Returns unique values VALUES(Sales[R
VALUES() value in a filtered
but also retains filters. egion])
context.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika
Example:

DISTINCT() returns unique regions, while VALUES() adapts based on the current filter
context.

53. How do you create a dynamic ranking in Power BI

using DAX?
Ranking helps sort data based on measures like sales, profit, or performance.
Example: Ranking Sales by Product

ALL(Sales[Product]) removes filters to rank all products.

🔹 DENSE ensures no gaps in ranking.
Example: Dynamic Ranking Based on a Selected Category

This allows ranking within a selected category dynamically.

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54. What is the purpose of the VAR function in DAX?
The VAR function stores intermediate results to make DAX faster and easier to read.
Example: Without VAR (Repetitive Calculation)

Example: Using VAR (Optimized)

Benefits of VAR:
Improves readability
Reduces redundant calculations
Enhances performance

55. How do you use the SWITCH() function in DAX?

The SWITCH() function replaces multiple IF conditions and is useful for categorical
mapping.
Example: Assigning Labels Based on Sales Amount

How it works?
If Sales[Amount] > 5000 → "High"
If Sales[Amount] > 2000 → "Medium"
Otherwise → "Low"
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Example: Mapping Numbers to Text Values

Why use SWITCH()?

Cleaner than multiple IF conditions
Easier to manage categorical data
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Power BI Visualizations
56. What are the different types of charts
available in Power BI?
Power BI offers various chart types, including:
Bar Chart
Column Chart
Line Chart
Pie Chart
Donut Chart
Area Chart
Scatter Plot
Treemap
Waterfall Chart
Funnel Chart
Gauge Chart
Card Visual
KPI Visual
Map Visuals (Filled Map, Shape Map, ArcGIS)

57. What is the difference between a table and a

matrix in Power BI?
Table: Displays data in a simple tabular format with rows and columns, similar to
an Excel spreadsheet.
Matrix: Similar to a Pivot Table in Excel, allowing hierarchical grouping, row and
column headers, and subtotal calculations.

58. How do you create a custom visual in Power

BI?
Use Power BI Custom Visual SDK (based on TypeScript and D3.js).
Install Node.js and Power BI Tools (npm install -g powerbi-visuals-tools).
Develop the custom visual using JavaScript/TypeScript.
Package and import the visual into Power BI.
59. What is a KPI visual in Power BI?
A KPI (Key Performance Indicator) visual is used to track and measure business
performance.
It compares actual values with a target value and uses indicators (colors, symbols)
to show performance trends.
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60. How do you create a drill-through report in

Power BI?
Select a report page where users will drill through.
Add a Drill-through filter (drag a field into the "Drillthrough" section in the Filters
pane).
Create visuals and insights specific to that filtered data.
Add a Back button to allow users to return to the main report.

61. What is the use of a hierarchy in Power BI?

A hierarchy in Power BI organizes data into different levels (e.g., Year → Quarter
→ Month → Day).
It allows users to drill down into detailed data for better insights.
Common examples include Date Hierarchy and Geographical Hierarchy
(Country → State → City).

62. What is a tooltip in Power BI?

A tooltip is a small pop-up box that appears when you hover over a visual.
It provides additional context, details, or insights about the data point.
You can create custom tooltips using a separate report page

63. How do you create a waterfall chart in Power

BI?
Waterfall charts are used to visualize changes in values over a sequence.
Steps to create:
1. Select Waterfall Chart from the Visualizations pane.
2. Add a Category field (e.g., months, product categories).
3. Add a Y-axis field (e.g., revenue, profit).
4. Adjust breakdowns to see positive/negative impacts.

64. What is a decomposition tree visual?

A decomposition tree is an AI-driven visual used for breaking down data into
multiple categories.
It allows users to explore how individual factors contribute to a total value.
It is useful for root cause analysis and drill-down exploration.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

65. How do you create a forecast in Power BI?

Forecasting in Power BI is done using line charts with built-in analytics features.
Steps:
Select a Line Chart visual.
Add a date/time field to the X-axis and a measure (e.g., sales) to the Y-axis.
Go to the Analytics pane and select Forecast.
Set parameters like forecast length, confidence intervals, etc.

66. What is a sync slicer in Power BI?

A sync slicer allows you to apply a slicer across multiple report pages.
It ensures that when a filter is selected on one page, it automatically applies to
other pages where the slicer is synced.
You can configure it in the View → Sync slicers pane.

67. What is a scatter plot and when should you

use it?
A scatter plot is a visual that shows relationships between two numerical
values.
Each point represents an individual data value (e.g., Sales vs. Profit).
It is useful for identifying trends, outliers, and correlations.

68. How do you add conditional formatting to a

Power BI table?
Conditional formatting highlights data based on certain conditions.
Steps:
1. Select a Table or Matrix visual.
2. Click on the Values section in the Fields pane.
3. Select Conditional Formatting and choose Font color, Background color, Data
bars, or Icons.
4. Define rules based on numeric values or text conditions.

69. What is an ArcGIS Map in Power BI?

The ArcGIS Map is an advanced geographic visualization tool powered by Esri.
It provides spatial analysis, heatmaps, clustering, and geospatial data layers.
It is used for location intelligence, such as analyzing store locations, sales
territories, and regional trends.
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70. What is a ribbon chart in Power BI?

A ribbon chart is used to visualize ranking changes over time.
It helps track category movement (e.g., best-selling products over different
months).
The ribbons connect data points to show how ranks change dynamically.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

Power BI Service & Publishing

Reports
71. How do you publish a Power BI report to the
Power BI Service?
After creating a report in Power BI Desktop, follow these steps:
1. Click on File → Publish → Power BI Service.
2. Sign in with your Power BI account.
3. Select a workspace to publish the report.
4. Once published, access it in Power BI Service (app.powerbi.com).

72. What are Power BI Workspaces?

Workspaces in Power BI are collaborative environments where teams can create,
manage, and share content.
There are two types:
My Workspace (for personal reports).
App Workspaces (for teams to collaborate and publish dashboards).

73. What is a Power BI App?

A Power BI App is a packaged collection of dashboards, reports, and datasets that
can be shared with users.
Apps allow users to view reports without modifying them.
They are found in the Apps section of the Power BI Service.

74. How do you share reports in Power BI?

Reports can be shared in multiple ways:
1. Direct Sharing – Share a report link via email.
2. Publish to Web – Make the report publicly accessible.
3. Embed in SharePoint or Teams.
4. Power BI Apps – Package and share reports with groups.
5. Export to PDF, PPT, or Excel.

75. What is Row-Level Security (RLS) in Power BI?

RLS restricts data access based on user roles.
It ensures users see only relevant data based on their permissions.
Steps to set up RLS:
1. Define roles in Power BI Desktop using DAX filters.
2. Assign users to roles in Power BI Service.
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76. How do you create dashboards in Power BI

Service?
A dashboard in Power BI Service is a collection of visuals from different reports. To
create one:
1. Go to Power BI Service (app.powerbi.com).
2. Open a workspace and click New → Dashboard.
3. Use "Pin" to add visuals from reports to the dashboard.
4. Customize the layout by dragging and resizing tiles.

77. What is a Power BI Dataflow?

A Power BI Dataflow is a cloud-based ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) tool that
allows you to:
Prepare and clean data using Power Query Online.
Store data in Azure Data Lake for reuse across reports.
Improve performance by using pre-processed data instead of direct queries.

78. How do you schedule data refresh in Power

BI?
In Power BI Service, you can schedule automatic refreshes for datasets:
1. Go to the dataset settings in Power BI Service.
2. Click on Scheduled refresh.
3. Set the refresh frequency (hourly, daily, etc.).
4. Add data source credentials if required.

79. How do you use Power Automate with Power

BI?
Power Automate integrates with Power BI to automate tasks like:
Sending email alerts when data updates.
Exporting reports and dashboards.
Triggering workflows based on data conditions.
Refreshing datasets on-demand.

80. What is a Power BI Paginated Report?

A Paginated Report is a pixel-perfect, print-ready report in Power BI, used for:
Detailed, multi-page reports.
Printing or exporting in PDF, Excel, Word.
Used with Power BI Report Server or Premium Capacity.
Created using Power BI Report Builder.
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81. How do you embed a Power BI report in a

website?
You can embed a Power BI report in a website using:
1. Publish to Web (Public):
In Power BI Service, go to the report → Click File → Embed Report → Publish
to Web.
Copy the embed code and paste it into your website.
Note: This makes the report public.
2. Power BI Embedded (Secure Method):
Requires Power BI Pro or Premium.
Uses Power BI REST API to embed reports in applications with authentication.

82. How do you enable Q&A in Power BI?

Q&A (Question & Answer) allows users to ask natural language questions about their
data.
1. Go to Power BI Service → Open a dashboard.
2. Click Settings → Q&A and Cortana → Turn on Q&A.
3. In Power BI Desktop, you can add a Q&A Visual from the Visualizations pane.

83. What are bookmarks in Power BI?

Bookmarks capture report state (filters, visuals, slicers) for easy navigation.
Used for storytelling, creating interactive buttons, and simulating drill-through.
To create a bookmark:
1. Set the visuals as needed.
2. Go to View → Bookmarks Pane → Add Bookmark.
3. Use buttons to navigate between bookmarks.

84. What is Power BI Deployment Pipeline?

A Deployment Pipeline is used for managing report development across stages
(Development → Test → Production).
Available in Power BI Premium.
Benefits:
Reduces errors in report deployment.
Automates version control.
Ensures a structured release process.
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85. How do you collaborate with team members

in Power BI?
Collaboration options in Power BI:
1. Power BI Workspaces → Share reports/dashboards within teams.
2. Comments → Add annotations to visuals in Power BI Service.
3. Share links → Share reports securely with access control.
4. Power BI Apps → Package reports/dashboards for organization-wide sharing.
5. Microsoft Teams & SharePoint → Embed Power BI reports for collaboration.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

Performance Optimization in
Power BI
86. How do you improve Power BI report
performance?
To enhance Power BI report performance, follow these best practices:
Optimize data model → Use Star Schema instead of Snowflake Schema.
Reduce data size → Remove unnecessary columns and rows.
Use Aggregations → Pre-calculate data to avoid real-time calculations.
Optimize DAX measures → Avoid complex calculations in visuals.
Reduce visuals on a page → Too many visuals slow down reports.
Use indexing and relationships → Properly define relationships and avoid
unnecessary joins.

87. How do you optimize DAX queries?

To improve DAX query performance, apply these methods:
Use SUMX() instead of looping calculations.
Avoid nested CALCULATE() when not necessary.
Replace FILTER() + ALL() with KEEPFILTERS() for better performance.
Use variables (VAR) instead of repeating calculations.
Limit the use of DISTINCTCOUNT(), as it’s expensive in large datasets.

88. What is lazy loading in Power BI?

Lazy loading means that Power BI loads data and visuals only when needed, rather
than all at once.
Helps optimize performance by:
Loading only visible visuals first.
Processing data in batches instead of loading the full dataset at once.
Improving memory usage by keeping unnecessary data inactive until required.

89. How do you reduce the size of a Power BI file?

To reduce .PBIX file size, follow these techniques:
Remove unnecessary columns/rows → Use only required data.
Optimize data types → Use integer instead of text where possible.
Turn off Auto Date/Time → Prevents unnecessary date tables.
Disable unnecessary visuals → Reduce memory usage.
Use aggregations and summarization → Store summarized data instead of raw
data.
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90. How do you use aggregations in Power BI?

Aggregations help improve performance by summarizing large datasets.
Steps to use aggregations:
1. Create an aggregated table with pre-calculated metrics (e.g., total sales per
month).
2. Enable relationships between the aggregated and detailed tables.
3. Use "Manage Aggregations" in Power BI to map measures to detailed data.
4. Power BI will use the aggregated table by default and only query the detailed
data when needed.

91. What is the impact of too many visuals on

report performance?
Too many visuals can negatively impact report performance in the following ways:
Slower load times → Each visual generates its own DAX query, increasing
processing time.
Increased memory usage → More visuals require more system resources, which
can slow down performance.
Longer refresh times → Complex visuals take longer to render, delaying
dashboard updates.
User experience issues → Slow response times can frustrate users.
Solution:
Reduce the number of visuals per page.
Use aggregated data to optimize performance.
Use performance analyzer to identify slow visuals.

92. How do you use composite models in Power

BI?
Composite models allow you to combine DirectQuery, Import Mode, and Dual
Mode in a single dataset.
How to use it?
1. Enable Composite Models in Power BI settings.
2. Connect to multiple data sources (SQL Server, Excel, etc.).
3. Define tables as Import (fast performance) or DirectQuery (real-time
updates).
4. Use Dual Mode for tables that can switch between Import and DirectQuery.
Benefits:
Flexibility in handling large datasets.
Balances performance and real-time updates.
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93. What is query folding in Power BI?

Query folding occurs when Power Query pushes transformations back to the data
source instead of performing them in Power BI.
Example:
If you filter data in SQL Server, Power Query pushes the filter operation to SQL
instead of loading unnecessary data into Power BI.
Benefits of query folding:
Faster performance
Reduces memory usage
Avoids unnecessary data transfers
Tip: Query folding works best with relational databases like SQL but may not work
with Excel or flat files.

94. What is the difference between Import Mode

and DirectQuery Mode in terms of performance?

Feature Import Mode DirectQuery Mode

Data Storage Stores data in Power BI Queries live data source

Slower (queries run in real-

Performance Fast (pre-loaded data)
time)

Data Refresh Requires manual refresh Always up-to-date

Large datasets with real-

Best For Small/medium datasets
time needs

Large data increases file Query performance

Limitations
size depends on the database

Best Practice: Use Import Mode for performance, but DirectQuery for real-time
analytics.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

95. How do you handle large datasets in Power

BI?
Handling large datasets efficiently requires the following strategies:
Use aggregations → Store summarized data instead of raw data.
Limit the number of columns → Only load necessary fields.
Partition data → Load data in chunks instead of all at once.
Enable DirectQuery or Composite Models → Avoid importing massive datasets.
Optimize DAX queries → Use calculated columns and measures efficiently.
Apply query folding → Push filters and transformations to the data source.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

Power BI Integration & Advanced

Features
96. How do you integrate Power BI with SQL
Server?
To connect Power BI with SQL Server:
1. Open Power BI Desktop.
2. Click on "Get Data" → "SQL Server".
3. Enter the server name and database name.
4. Choose the connection type:
Import Mode (for better performance).
DirectQuery Mode (for real-time updates).
5. Click OK, select tables, and load data.
You can also use SQL queries in the advanced editor to fetch only relevant data.

97. How do you integrate Power BI with Python?

Power BI allows Python scripting for advanced analytics and visualizations.
Steps to integrate Python in Power BI:
1. Install Python and required libraries (pandas, matplotlib, etc.).
2. In Power BI Desktop, go to File → Options → Python scripting and set the
Python path.
3. Click Home → Get Data → Python script.
4. Write a Python script to load or transform data.
5. Use Python visuals for advanced data visualization.
Best for machine learning, statistical analysis, and custom charts.

98. What is Power BI AI Insights?

Power BI AI Insights provides built-in AI capabilities to analyze data using machine
learning models without coding.
Features:
Text Analytics → Extract keywords and sentiment from text.
Vision AI → Analyze images.
Azure ML Integration → Use pre-built ML models.
Auto ML → Automatically train machine learning models.
Useful for predictive analytics and pattern detection.
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99. How do you create a Power BI report using R?

To use R in Power BI:
1. Install R and required libraries (ggplot2, dplyr, etc.).
2. In Power BI, go to File → Options → R scripting and set the R path.
3. Click Get Data → R script.
4. Write an R script to import and process data.
5. Use R visuals for advanced statistical analysis and visualization.
Best for predictive modeling, statistical computing, and complex visualizations.

100. What is the difference between Power BI and

Tableau?

Feature Power BI Tableau

Ease of Use Easier for beginners Requires more training

More affordable (free version

Cost Expensive (premium licensing)
available)

Strong integration with Better at handling large

Data Connectivity
Microsoft products datasets

Good visualizations, but less More advanced and

Visualization
customizable customizable

Performance Good for medium datasets Better for large datasets

Strong AI capabilities with Supports Python & R but fewer

AI & ML Features
Azure ML built-in AI features

Power BI is better for business users with Microsoft tools.

Tableau is better for data visualization at scale.
 Created by: Vinay Kumar Panika

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for Reading Interview PowerBIzed
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