INFO DAX functions

What is DAX?

DAX is a powerful formula language used in Power BI to create custom calculations, manipulate data, and define measures. It’s essential for creating insightful reports and dashboards.

How to enable 

DAX Query View

The DAX query view allows you to work with DAX queries in semantic models. Unlike DAX formulas (which define calculations), DAX queries retrieve data from the model.

How do I enable DAX Query View?

Go to File > Options and settings> options >Preview Features>Enable DAX Query view

INFO DAX Functions

The new INFO DAX functions provide valuable insights and metadata about your data model. Let’s explore some of these functions:

1. INFO.TABLES: contains information about the tables in the model, such as the table name, description, and whether it is hidden or not. 

2. INFO.COLUMNS: contains information about the columns in a model, such as the column name, data type, and whether they are hidden or not. 

3. INFO.MEASURES: contains information about the measures in the model, such as the measure name, expression, and format string. 

How to Use INFO DAX Functions

• Open your Power BI report.

• Navigate to the DAX query view.

• Create a new query or modify an existing one.

• Use the INFO functions to retrieve relevant information about your model.

Use Cases and Advantages

1. Table and Column Information:

Use Case: When designing visuals, knowing table and column details is essential.

Advantages:

Use INFO.TABLES to get information about tables (e.g., name, description, hidden status).

Explore column properties (name, data type, hidden status) using INFO.COLUMNS.

2.Measure Insights:

Use Case: Measures drive business logic and KPIs, so measuring details are essential.

Advantages:

Retrieve measure details (name, expression, format string) with INFO.MEASURES.

Combine measure information with other INFO functions for comprehensive analysis.

Example:

Suppose you want to display all the measures in my model, their expression, and other useful information about them. You can use the following DAX query:

EVALUATE

    VAR _measures = 

        SELECTCOLUMNS(

            INFO.MEASURES(),

            "Measure", [Name],

            "DAX formula", [Expression],

            "TableID", [TableID]

        )

RETURN _measures

Conclusion

The new INFO DAX functions enhance your ability to create informative reports, track model changes, and optimize data exploration. Experiment with them and unlock new possibilities in your Power BI projects! 

For expert data solutions tailored to your business, contact us at Numlytics. Transform your data into actionable insights!