What is Power BI?

An Introduction to Business Intelligence, Interactive Reporting, and DAX Modeling

Fact-Checked & Reviewed by: Hambirrao P | Updated: June 2026 | Verified Technical Expert

Key Takeaways

  • Converts raw tables, spreadsheets, and databases into interactive analytical reports.
  • Uses Power Query for ETL processes: cleaning, shaping, and merging dirty datasets.
  • Features the DAX formula language for advanced metrics and time-intelligence queries.

Introduction to Microsoft Power BI

Power BI is a business analytics service by Microsoft. It aims to provide interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities with an interface simple enough for end users to create their own reports and dashboards, bypassing complex IT scripting.

Power Query, Modeling, and DAX

Power BI's workflow follows three main stages: Data Ingestion (using Power Query to extract, transform, and load data); Data Modeling (creating tables connections and star schemas); and Calculation (writing Data Analysis Expressions, or DAX, formulas to compile active business metrics).

Sharing Dashboards via Power BI Service

Once reports are built in Power BI Desktop, developers publish them to the cloud-based Power BI Service. Here, executive stakeholders can access interactive web dashboards, set up automatic data refreshes, configure email alerts, and view mobile analytics.

DAX Calculation for Year-to-Date Net Sales 

// DAX Measure to sum sales amounts over the calendar year
TotalSalesYTD = 
CALCULATE(
    SUM(Sales[Amount]),
    DATESYTD(Calendar[Date])
)

Official Documentation

Access official code repositories and developer documentation.

Official Microsoft Power BI Docs ↗

Related Practical Guides

  • Examine how Microsoft Power BI's DAX formula engine measures up against Tableau's visual calculation features.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the next 1-to-1 training intake start?

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Intakes start twice monthly on the 1st and 15th. The next upcoming 1-to-1 intake starts on October 1, 2026 (with secondary intake on October 15, 2026).

Is Power BI hard to learn for Excel users?

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No, Excel users adapt quickly because Power Query and modeling functions are highly similar, and DAX syntax is based on Excel formula principles.

What is the difference between a calculated column and a measure?

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Calculated columns are computed row-by-row during data load and stored in memory. Measures are calculated dynamically on the fly as filters are clicked, saving storage space.

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