The Power BI Filter function allows you to filter data, so that only the most relevant data is displayed for analysis or visualisation. Find out everything you need to know about this DAX function, and how to take a training course to master Microsoft Power BI.
Filtering is an essential technique in data analysis. It enables only data that is useful and relevant to the project to be presented, and masks data that cannot be analysed.
The Microsoft Power BI platform, considered to be the main Business Intelligence tool, offers data filtering functions via the DAX Filter functions.
These functions are part of the DAX library. It is an iterative function that generates filtered tables for data models. Each row corresponding to the criteria defined by the user is returned as a result.
Power BI Filter - What is Power BI?
Power BI is a Business Intelligence platform developed by Microsoft for analysing data and sharing the results in the form of visualisations.
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This software suite offers a host of features for data aggregation, analysis and visualisation, reporting and dashboard creation, and artificial intelligence.
Available on PC, mobile and in the cloud, Power BI enables teams to access and analyse data from anywhere in the world.
Data can be downloaded from a wide variety of sources including Excel, CSV, SQL Server, MySQL, PDF, XML, JSON and more.
Using this platform, businesses can collect, analyse and transform data into actionable information. This information can then be converted into understandable and visually appealing graphs and charts. This speeds up data-driven decision-making.
Power BI’s drag-and-drop interface makes it possible to create data visualisations with just a few clicks. So anyone in the organisation can use this tool and benefit from Business Intelligence.
Artificial intelligence features enable Power BI users to prepare data, build Machine Learning models and quickly discover relevant information within the data.
Combined with the Azure cloud, Power BI also accelerates Big Data preparation and analysis.
For 15 consecutive years, the Gartner Magic Quadrant Report has voted this tool as the leader in the Business Intelligence industry.
What are DAX functions?
The DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) library brings together a number of functions for interacting with data on Microsfot platforms such as Power BI, Power Pivot, or SQL Server Analysis Services tabular models.
These functions are similar to those in Microsoft Excel, but offer more power and flexibility for working with data and performing dynamic aggregations.
The Microsoft DAX query language is designed to simplify data analysis and pattern visualisation using easy-to-use formulas. In total, the DAX library includes more than 250 functions.
What are DAX or Power BI Filter functions?
DAX Filter functions are a sub-category of functions in the DAX library. They are used to filter a table based on criteria set by the user.
Like the filter functions in Microsoft Excel, they can be used to reduce a set of data to display only the relevant information.
These functions can be used for both basic segmentation and complex filtering involving multiple conditions.
Syntax of the DAX Filter function
The DAX Filter function is very simple to use. It is a simple command consisting of the word FILTER followed by two parameters: FILTER ( <Table>, <FilterExpression> ).
The <Table> parameter indicates the name of the table to be filtered, and the <FilterExpression> parameter defines the criterion to be evaluated for each row in the table.
The rows matching the criteria are retained, the others are deleted.
After applying the Filter function, a result is produced in the form of a table containing only the rows that have passed the filter. This allows only relevant data to be displayed.
What are the DAX Filter functions used for?
Power BI’s DAX Filter functions can be useful in many situations. In particular, they can be used to reduce the number of rows in a table, and to hide irrelevant columns or rows.
These functions can also be used to perform arithmetic operations on predefined fields, and to calculate new parameters or measures. They can also be used to create dynamic calculations and manipulate the context of data.
How do I learn Power BI and the Power BI Filter?
Companies in all sectors have become aware of the potential of Business Intelligence. That’s why Power BI is increasingly being adopted to open up Business Intelligence to all members of an organisation.
As a result, mastery of Power BI and its functions such as Filter is a highly sought-after skill. To acquire this expertise, you can turn to DataScientest.
Our PowerBI training enables beginners to master the platform in just 5 days. As a Microsoft Learning Partner, DataScientest prepares you to take the PL-300 exam, leading to official Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate certification.
This course is entirely distance learning via the Internet, from the comfort of your own home or anywhere in the world. Our organisation is recognised by the French government and eligible for funding options. Don’t wait any longer and discover DataScientest!
You now know all about the Power BI Filter function. For more information on the same subject, check out our complete dossier on Power BI and our dossier on Business Intelligence.
