Data Insights, No Data Model Needed!

Power BI Visual Calculations are here to make data analysis accessible to everyone - not just the “data experts.” Gone are the days when adding new insights to a report meant digging into the data model or writing complex code.

What is a Visual Calculation? Think of a visual calculation as a quick formula you can add directly to a chart, without changing the data model underneath. They let you easily calculate things like totals, averages, or percentages right on the visual itself. And if you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could get this one quick insight without changing the whole data model,” visual calculations are exactly what you need.

Why You Need Them Power BI’s visual calculations make it possible for everyone - from beginner to pro - to quickly add insights to their visuals without technical barriers. Here’s what makes them a game-changer:

• Easier Calculations: Instead of editing the model, you can add formulas right where you need them.

• Fast Reporting: Perfect for quick, common calculations like running totals or comparisons.

• Better Performance: Since they use summary data, they’re faster than model-based calculations.

Imagine This... You’re working on a sales report, and your manager wants a quick running total of sales. You could spend time building a new measure in the data model, but that’s time-consuming and often overkill for a simple request. With visual calculations, you can add this calculation in seconds, right on the chart:

Running sum = RUNNINGSUM([Sales Amount])

And voilà! The report updates instantly, showing the running total without any edits to the model. It’s a fast, flexible approach that keeps your workflow simple.

When to Use Traditional Calculations While visual calculations are great for quick, specific insights, traditional model-based calculations are still ideal for complex or reusable data, especially if you’re building calculations you’ll use across multiple reports. If the calculation’s needed in different contexts, model measures or calculated columns are your go-to.

Getting Started with Visual Calculations Visual calculations are enabled by default in Power BI since last month, so you can:

• Add calculations directly on visuals without needing the data model.

• Set data types (decimal, whole number, etc.) easily.

• Reference the visual’s axes for flexible, context-aware calculations.

Power BI’s visual calculations make data insights accessible for everyone, not just the data pros. They’re your quick path to adding powerful insights, so try them out and see how much easier reporting can be!

One More Thing...

Before diving in with Power BI, make sure you and your team have the right training. Learning Power BI the right way is much easier than unlearning bad habits or “fixing” incorrect processes down the road. Proper training will help you maximize Power BI’s potential from day one.

Have any questions? Feel free to reach out - I’m just an email or Teams chat away. 

Cheers,

Sharona