DAX: A Practical Guide
This course is aimed at existing users of Power BI, Excel Power Pivot, or SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular, who need to take their data analysis skills to the next level.
You will learn how to mine and expose hidden information with the DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) language. Common business scenarios are covered, highlighting useful DAX patterns that can be implemented and adapted to solve a variety of simple and complex calculations. The theory behind the concepts of DAX will be emphasised through practical examples.
Little, or no, previous knowledge of DAX is assumed. The training is designed from the ground up to introduce delegates to this new and powerful technology, and ultimately provide attendees with a more intimate knowledge of DAX. There is a linear progression throughout the training from the initial introductory material through to more intermediate and advanced topics. There is an emphasis on practical applications of DAX to enable delegates to be productive right from the word go after attending this course.
- 2 Days
- In person
Course Objectives
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Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Create and use calculated columns
Create and use measures
Understand the key concepts of tabular data modelling
Understand evaluation contexts
Work with the CALCULATE function
Work with the FILTER function
Work with date functions
Understand time intelligence in DAX
Make decisions in DAX expressions
Understand iterator functions
Work with complex table relationships
Create and use custom calendars
Create and use DAX variables
Gracefully handle errors in DAX
Prerequisites
- Delegates should ideally have a working knowledge of Power BI Desktop, commensurate with that attainable by attending the “Power BI Desktop Complete” course, or similar.
Alternatively, prior experience of Power Pivot, SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular, or similar tool that works with the tabular model, should prove suitable.
No previous knowledge of DAX is assumed.
Course content Back to top
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Introduction to DAX
Introducing the DAX Expression Language -
Calculated Columns
Adding Calculated Columns
Properties of Calculated Columns -
DAX Measures
Adding Measures
Formatting DAX Code
Measures that Use Other Measures
Benefits of Measures -
Data Modelling 101
Tabular Data Modelling Concepts
Table Relationships
Filters Across Multiple Tables
Active & Inactive Relationships -
The CALCULATE Function
Using the CALCULATE Function
Evaluation Context
Filter Operators
Modifying the Filter Context -
The FILTER Function
When Should You Use FILTER?
Using the FILTER Function -
Working with Dates and Time Intelligence
Date Functions in DAX
Introduction to Time Intelligence
Creating a Date Table
Time Intelligence Functions
Working with Weeks -
Conditional and Branching Logic
Using the IF Function
Checking for the Existence of Data
The VALUES Function -
Iterator Functions
The Purpose of Iterator Functions
The SUMX Function
Other Aggregate Iterator Functions
Understanding Semi-Additive Calculations -
Complex Table Relationships
Multiple Relationships Between the Same Two Tables
The USERELATIONSHIP Function
Disconnected Tables -
Custom Date Tables
Introducing Custom Date Tables
Creating Measures to Work with Custom Calendars -
Enhanced DAX Functionality
Ranking Data
Using DAX Variables
Handling Errors in DAX
Training a team?
Run this course privately, on your dates
What delegates say Back to top
“The course was taught well and was very informative”
“Really enjoyed the training and the session”
Following this training what are you going to do differently
“Too much to mention”
“Very informative, good input and time allowed”
“The nature of this particular course being 11 today was excellent and we really drilled down into the detail that might not have been possible in a larger group.”
“The course was very informative and engaging”
Following this training what are you going to do differently
“Make presentations more visual, interesting...feel better equipped to create better presentations”
Following this training what are you going to do differently
“Play more with InDesign and not be scared to use it”
Please contact us to discuss your DAX: A Practical Guide course, we have many solutions available to ensure you receive the best training possible.
Learn with IT Training Solutions. Small course sizes. Course materials included. Flexible DAX: A Practical Guide course content. Expert trainers and tried & tested training methods. Many course materials available online using your personal training account. Please contact us to booka place or get a quote for your DAX: A Practical Guide course.
Oakville, 14 Durham Road West, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5AU
0191 377 8377
ittrainingsolutions.co.uk
Printed: 10/20/2026 10:14:10 PM