Calculated columns

With your current understanding of DAX fundamentals and syntax, we can now move on to look at how DAX supports the creation of calculated columns. Let’s find out how to create these now…

Working with calculated columns

Here are four tips to remember when working with calculated columns:

Always start by selecting the table you are going to add the new column to
A column name must be unique within the table it is being created
When a formula refers to another column, it is best to include the table name to avoid ambiguous naming even if the column is in the same table as the calculation
Use the data view when creating new columns or tables so you can see the results straight away

DAX column examples

Occasionally, the data you are analysing doesn’t contain the particular field you need to get the results you’re after - this is where calculated columns come in. Calculated columns use DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) to define a column’s values, ranging from calculating numeric values to joining text values from several columns. In the following example, your data has First Name (like Andrew) and Last Name (like Fuller) fields, and you require a single Full Name field with both, like 'Andrew Fuller', calculated columns are perfect for this. Let’s look at them in action now…

To create your new column in the table, right-click or select the More Options (...) next to the table name in the Fields pane and choose the New column.
The Formula bar appears along the top of the Report canvas and is ready for you to name your column and enter a DAX formula. By default, a new calculated column is called Column, and all column names must be unique within the table. In this example, we have created a column called FullName.
It is good practice to use the table name in the calculated column and the field name to avoid ambiguous references. We have referenced the table ‘2020 Customers’ and fields [First Name] and [Last Name] in the example.
Once you have completed the calculated column contents, you can press Enter or click the Tick icon on the formula bar.

Now you’ve read up on calculated columns in DAX, you can move on to watch the following video which will show you the processes involved when creating a simple calculated column.

Calculated columns

SELF PACED PLATFORM

TRAINING CONTENT

JOB ROLE PATHS

CERTIFICATIONS