Training course

Excel to Power BI: Data Preparation Essentials

This practical, hands-on course is designed for Excel users who want to prepare their data effectively for use in Power BI Desktop. Delegates will learn how to structure, clean, and optimise Excel data so it can be imported, modelled, and visualised seamlessly in Power BI. By the end of the day, participants will understand the key differences between Excel and Power BI data handling, and will be confident in applying best practices that reduce errors, improve efficiency, and create a solid foundation for insightful reporting.

  • 1 Day
  • Online or in person
  • Private courses available

Course Objectives

  • Recognise common challenges when importing Excel data into Power BI and how to avoid them.
  • Apply best practices for cleaning and structuring data in Excel.
  • Create well-structured tables and relationship-ready lookup data.
  • Prepare consistent data types for smooth integration into Power BI.
  • Confidently import Excel data into Power BI Desktop and verify the model structure.
  • Use Power Query Editor to transform and refine data prior to analysis.
  • Manage relationships in the Power BI model to enable multi-table reporting.
  • Build and format basic visuals and dashboards using clean Excel data in Power BI.

Prerequisites

  • A good working knowledge of Excel (including formulas and tables).
    No prior experience of Power BI is required, although some familiarity with its purpose will be beneficial.
    Delegates should be comfortable working with datasets in Excel.

Course content Back to top

  1. Overview
    Objectives of the day
    Common challenges when importing Excel into Power BI
    Importance of clean, structured data
  2. Excel Data Hygiene Essentials
    Removing blank rows, columns, and merged cells
    Clearing formatting and unused ranges
    Using “Used Range” reset techniques
    Best practices for naming sheets and ranges
  3. Structuring Tables for Power BI
    Converting ranges to Excel Tables (Ctrl + T)
    Naming tables meaningfully
    Benefits of structured tables: auto-expansion, metadata, and relationships
  4. Data Types & Formatting
    Ensuring consistent data types (text, numbers, dates)
    Avoiding mixed-type columns
    Formatting for Power BI recognition (e.g., date serials vs. text)
  5. Preparing Lookup & Relationship Tables
    Creating dimension tables (e.g., Products, Dates)
    Avoiding duplication and redundancy
    Using Excel formulas to normalize data (e.g., UNIQUE, SORT, TEXTJOIN)
  6. Importing into Power BI Desktop
    Import methods: Excel workbook vs. table selection
    Navigating the Navigator pane
    Verifying data model structure post-import
  7. Manipulating Data in Power Query Editor
    Splitting Columns intelligently
    Grouping and Totalling
    Changing Data types
    Replacing and removing errors and rows
    Managing Applied Steps
  8. Relationships in the Model
    Examining Relationships in Model View
    Managing and creating Relationships
    Using RELATED() columns in Calculations
    Navigating the Navigator pane
    Verifying data model structure post-import
  9. Visualising Excel Data
    Adding Visuals to Pages
    Visuals using multiple related Tables
    Dashboarding essential Measures and Data
    Formatting Visuals and the Report
    Filtering vs Slicing
  10. Wrap-Up & Q&A
    Recap of key takeaways
    Resources for further learning
    Open Q&A and feedback

Training a team?

Run this course privately, on your dates

  • Private Flexible course content, flexible training date(s), flexible location(s), variable course length, private to your organisation - Courses can be held at one of our training venues or at another location convenient to you. Training can be set over a number of days or weeks to allow for practice time between training sessions.
  • Virtual These courses can be attended from anywhere.

What delegates say Back to top

“Very useful and information meaningful. Great answers to questions thrown out during the session”
B., Nobiauk, Microsoft Forms Essentials in Office 365

Which part of the course did you find particularly valuable

“Pretty much all of it multiple takeaways, and really helpful hints and tips”
C., V4 Services Ltd, Microsoft Teams in Office 365 Essentials

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“I am going to spend more time on preparation and practice”
B.J., Greencore Group, Train the Trainer

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“Apply this knowledge to our SEO strategy. Reduce the file sizes of images and use the tools to help report it.”
L.C., Visit County Durham, Search Engine Optimisation

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“Much better analysis of data use more functions”
V.H., William Smith Group, Excel Level 2

Would it be possible to use your feedback in our marketing we only use your initials and organisation name

“My second Excel course it has made a huge difference to how I present data”
J.S., Stc, Excel Level 2
“I will definitely be saving a baseline now and using it to track my project.”
G.H., Spincraft Etg, Microsoft Project Essentials
“It has given me the confidence to start a spreadsheet from scratch again rather than copying and amending other peoples.”
J.R., Yorwaste, Excel Level 3

Please contact us to discuss your Excel to Power BI: Data Preparation Essentials course, we have many solutions available to ensure you receive the best training possible.

Your Power BI course can be delivered online or in-person. You can choose your learning path and delivery style. Learn in-person or online with our virtual classrooms. Your course can be delivered online, at your office or at one of our training venues, it's your choice. Small course sizes. Course materials included. Flexible Excel to Power BI: Data Preparation Essentials course content. Expert trainers and tried & tested training methods. Many course materials available online using your personal training account. You can master Power BI, please contact us to book a place or get a quote for your Excel to Power BI: Data Preparation Essentials course.

IT Training Solutions Ltd
Oakville, 14 Durham Road West, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5AU
0191 377 8377
ittrainingsolutions.co.uk
Printed: 11/10/2026 3:52:30 PM