Intermediate level · Module 3: DAX for Business Measures · Lesson 1 of 3
Measures and Calculated Columns
Write basic measures and understand when a calculated column is appropriate.
In this lesson you will
- Write basic DAX measures
- Choose between measures and calculated columns
Key concepts
measurecalculated columnSUM and COUNTROWSDIVIDE
The lesson
Measures calculate results at report time for whatever is selected: Total Sales = SUM(Sales[Amount]). They are the main tool for KPIs.
Calculated columns compute a value for each row when data loads, such as a price band. Use them for slicing and grouping, not for totals.
Use DIVIDE for ratios, so division by zero returns blank instead of an error, and give measures clear names and formats.
Step by step
- Write Total Sales, Total Budget and Transactions measures.
- Write Average Sale with DIVIDE.
- Create a price-band calculated column.
- Format the measures.
Practice activity
Write the solution's basic measures.
Expected result: Correct, formatted measures checked against Excel.
Check your understanding
-
When should a calculated column be used rather than a measure?
Show answer
For row-level values used to slice or group, such as bands.
-
What does DIVIDE do when the denominator is zero?
Show answer
Returns blank (or an alternative) instead of an error.
Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.