Power BI Interview Questions

Q1: What is Power BI, and what are its key components?

A: Power BI is a business analytics tool by Microsoft that provides interactive visualizations and business intelligence capabilities. Its key components are Power BI Desktop, Power BI Service (Power BI Online), and Power BI Mobile.
Q2: Explain the difference between Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service.

A: Power BI Desktop is a Windows application used to create and publish reports and visualizations locally. Power BI Service, also known as Power BI Online, is a cloud-based service that allows users to share, collaborate, and access reports and dashboards from anywhere.
Q3: What are the main data connectivity options in Power BI?

A: Power BI offers various data connectivity options, including importing data from files (Excel, CSV, etc.), connecting to databases (SQL Server, Oracle, etc.), using DirectQuery or Live Connection, and connecting to cloud services like Azure SQL Database and SharePoint.
Q4: What is Power Query, and what is its role in Power BI?

A: Power Query is a data transformation and query language used in Power BI to extract, transform, and load (ETL) data from various sources. It helps clean, reshape, and combine data before it is loaded into Power BI for analysis.
Q5: How can you create calculated columns and measures in Power BI?

A: Calculated columns are created in the Power Query Editor, where you define a new column based on an expression or calculation. Measures, on the other hand, are created in the Power BI Desktop's Data View or using DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) formula language.
Q6: What is DAX, and what is its role in Power BI?

A: DAX (Data Analysis Expressions) is a formula language used in Power BI to create custom calculations, measures, and queries. It allows you to perform advanced calculations, create aggregations, and define relationships between tables.
Q7: How can you create relationships between tables in Power BI?

A: Relationships between tables in Power BI can be created by defining the appropriate relationships in the Manage Relationships dialog. You need to specify the columns that connect the tables based on common values.
Q8: What are slicers in Power BI, and how do they work?

A: Slicers are visual filters in Power BI that allow users to interactively filter and slice data. They provide a user-friendly way to filter data across multiple visuals, making it easy to explore different aspects of the data.
Q9: How can you create a hierarchy in Power BI?

A: To create a hierarchy in Power BI, you need to select the relevant columns in the fields pane and drag them onto each other to form a hierarchy. Hierarchy allows users to drill down or roll up data for better analysis.
Q10: Explain the difference between calculated columns and measures in Power BI.

A: Calculated columns are computed during data loading and stored as part of the data model. They can be used for filtering, sorting, and grouping data. Measures, on the other hand, are computed on the fly during visualization and are used for aggregations and calculations.
Q11: How can you create a custom visual in Power BI?

A: Custom visuals can be created in Power BI using the Power BI Visuals SDK, which is based on JavaScript and TypeScript. You can build custom visuals using tools like Visual Studio Code and publish them to the Power BI marketplace.
Q12: What are the different types of filters in Power BI?

A: Power BI offers various types of filters, including visual-level filters, page-level filters, report-level filters, and drill-through filters. These filters help in narrowing down data based on specific criteria.
Q13: How can you schedule data refresh in Power BI?

A: In Power BI Service, you can schedule data refresh for imported datasets from various sources. You can set the refresh frequency and configure credentials to ensure that data is up to date.
Q14: Explain the difference between a report and a dashboard in Power BI.

A: A report in Power BI is a collection of visuals, tables, and charts that provide data analysis and insights. A dashboard is a single-page canvas that displays summarized visuals from multiple reports, allowing users to monitor key metrics and KPIs.
Q15: How can you share Power BI reports and dashboards with others?

A: Power BI reports and dashboards can be shared with others by publishing them to the Power BI Service and granting appropriate access permissions. You can also embed Power BI content in other applications or export reports to different formats like PDF or PowerPoint.
Q16: What is the Power BI Gateway, and when is it used?

A: The Power BI Gateway is a software component that enables secure data transfer between Power BI and on-premises data sources. It is used when you want to connect to on-premises databases or files from Power BI Service.
Q17: How can you create a calculated table in Power BI?

A: Calculated tables can be created in Power BI Desktop using DAX expressions. You can define a calculated table by specifying the desired columns and applying filters or calculations based on existing tables.
Q18: What is the difference between calculated columns and measures in terms of performance?

A: Calculated columns are computed during data loading and consume storage space, while measures are computed on the fly during visualization. Calculated columns can impact performance and storage requirements, whereas measures are more efficient for aggregations and calculations.
Q19: How can you implement row-level security in Power BI?

A: Row-level security in Power BI can be implemented by defining roles and role-based filters. You can assign users or groups to specific roles and configure filters that restrict data based on their roles.
Q20: How can you create a custom hierarchy in Power BI?

A: To create a custom hierarchy in Power BI, you can use the "Manage Hierarchies" option in the modeling tab. It allows you to define a hierarchy based on specific columns and their relationships.
Q21: Explain the concept of Power BI gateways and their types.

A: Power BI gateways act as a bridge between Power BI Service and on-premises data sources. There are two types of gateways: the Personal Gateway, which is used for individual use, and the On-premises Data Gateway, which is used for enterprise-wide data access.
Q22: How can you handle different currencies in Power BI?

A: Power BI provides built-in currency conversion functions that allow you to convert values from one currency to another. You can define exchange rates and use them in calculations and visualizations.
Q23: What is the Power BI REST API, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI REST API allows developers to programmatically interact with Power BI objects like workspaces, reports, dashboards, and datasets. It can be used to automate tasks, embed Power BI content, and integrate Power BI with other applications.
Q24: How can you implement drill-through actions in Power BI?

A: Drill-through actions in Power BI allow users to navigate from one report page to another to explore more detailed information. You can define drill-through relationships and configure drill-through options in the Power BI Desktop.
Q25: What is the difference between calculated tables and calculated columns?

A: Calculated tables are created using DAX expressions and can be used to generate new tables based on calculations or filters. Calculated columns, on the other hand, are created as part of an existing table and provide computed values for each row.
Q26: How can you combine data from multiple tables in Power BI?

A: You can combine data from multiple tables in Power BI using relationships, merges, or appends. Relationships are used when tables have common columns, merges are used when combining tables based on matching values, and appends are used to stack tables on top of each other.
Q27: What is the Power BI Developer API, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI Developer API allows developers to create custom applications and integrations with Power BI. It provides functionalities like embedding Power BI content, managing data, and automating tasks.
Q28: How can you handle data refresh failures in Power BI?

A: Data refresh failures in Power BI can be handled by checking the refresh history, reviewing error messages, and resolving any issues with data sources, credentials, or connectivity. You can also set up alerts and notifications for refresh failures.
Q29: What is Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow), and how can it be integrated with Power BI?

A: Power Automate is a cloud-based service that allows users to create automated workflows between different applications and services. It can be integrated with Power BI to automate tasks like data refresh, report distribution, and notifications.
Q30: What are the different visualization options available in Power BI?

A: Power BI offers a wide range of visualization options, including bar charts, line charts, pie charts, tables, matrices, maps, gauges, and many more. These visualizations can be customized with various formatting options and interactive features.
Q31: How can you use the Power BI Q&A feature?

A: The Power BI Q&A feature allows users to ask natural language questions and get instant answers in the form of visualizations. It uses advanced algorithms to understand the user's intent and generate relevant visuals based on the data model.
Q32: How can you create a custom theme in Power BI?

A: Custom themes in Power BI allow you to define a consistent visual style for your reports and dashboards. You can create a JSON file that specifies the desired colors, fonts, and formatting options, and import it into Power BI to apply the custom theme.
Q33: What is the Power BI mobile app, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI mobile app allows users to access and view Power BI reports and dashboards on their mobile devices. It provides a responsive and optimized experience for mobile consumption and supports offline access and collaboration.
Q34: How can you implement drill-through actions in Power BI?

A: Drill-through actions in Power BI allow users to navigate from one report page to another to explore more detailed information. You can define drill-through relationships and configure drill-through options in the Power BI Desktop.
Q35: What are the different types of data transformations available in Power Query?

A: Power Query offers various data transformations, including filtering rows, sorting data, removing duplicates, splitting columns, merging tables, pivoting, unpivoting, and performing calculations using custom formulas.
Q36: How can you schedule automatic data refresh in Power BI Service?

A: In Power BI Service, you can schedule automatic data refresh for datasets from various sources. You can set the refresh frequency, configure credentials, and monitor refresh status and notifications.
Q37: What are the different types of joins available in Power Query?

A: Power Query supports different types of joins, including inner join, left join, right join, and full outer join. These join operations help combine data from multiple tables based on common values.
Q38: How can you create a custom function in Power Query?

A: Custom functions can be created in Power Query using the Advanced Editor or the Power Query Formula Language (M Language). You can define reusable functions to perform specific calculations or transformations on data.
Q39: How can you handle errors and missing values in Power Query?

A: Power Query provides various options to handle errors and missing values, such as replacing errors with custom values, filtering out rows with errors, filling missing values with default values, or applying conditional logic to handle specific scenarios.
Q40: What are the best practices for optimizing Power BI performance?

A: Some best practices for optimizing Power BI performance include minimizing data model size, using calculated columns and measures efficiently, optimizing DAX expressions, limiting visuals and data volume, and leveraging Power BI caching and data refresh options.
Q41: What are the different types of gateways in Power BI?

A: Power BI supports two types of gateways: the On-premises Data Gateway and the Personal Gateway. The On-premises Data Gateway is used for enterprise-level data connectivity, while the Personal Gateway is used for individual users.
Q42: How can you create a calculated table using DAX expressions?

A: To create a calculated table using DAX expressions, you can go to the Modeling tab in Power BI Desktop, click on "New Table," and define the table using DAX expressions. These expressions can include calculations, filters, and references to other tables.
Q43: What is the difference between calculated columns and measures in terms of storage?

A: Calculated columns are computed during data loading and stored as part of the data model, consuming storage space. Measures, on the other hand, are computed on the fly during visualization and do not occupy additional storage.
Q44: How can you use Power BI bookmarks to create interactive reports?

A: Power BI bookmarks allow you to capture and save the current state of a report, including filters, visuals, and interactions. You can create multiple bookmarks and use them to navigate and present different views of the data.
Q45: How can you implement dynamic security in Power BI?

A: Dynamic security in Power BI can be implemented using row-level security and DAX expressions. You can define security roles and use DAX expressions to dynamically filter data based on user context or attributes.
Q46: What is the Power BI Paginated Report Builder, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI Paginated Report Builder is a tool for creating paginated reports, which are formatted, printable reports optimized for precise layout and pixel-perfect rendering. It can be used to create and publish paginated reports in Power BI.
Q47: How can you implement conditional formatting in Power BI visuals?

A: Conditional formatting in Power BI allows you to format visuals based on specific conditions or rules. You can define formatting rules based on data values, color scales, icons, or custom expressions.
Q48: What is the difference between calculated columns and calculated tables in Power BI?

A: Calculated columns are created within an existing table and provide computed values for each row. Calculated tables, on the other hand, are created using DAX expressions and can be used to generate new tables based on calculations or filters.
Q49: How can you create a waterfall chart in Power BI?

A: To create a waterfall chart in Power BI, you can use the waterfall chart visual option and specify the relevant fields for the category, starting value, and changes. Waterfall charts are useful for visualizing changes in values over a series of categories.
Q50: What are the different types of filters available in Power BI visuals?

A: Power BI visuals support various types of filters, including basic filters, visual-level filters, page-level filters, and report-level filters. These filters allow users to interactively drill down, slice, or filter data within a visual or across the entire report.
Q51: How can you create calculated columns using Power Query?

A: Calculated columns in Power Query can be created using the "Add Column" tab in the Power Query Editor. You can define the column name, data type, and expression using Power Query's formula language.
Q52: How can you create a measure using Power Query?

A: Measures in Power Query are created using DAX expressions. You can define a measure by using the "New Measure" option in the Power Query Editor and specifying the desired calculation or aggregation.
Q53: How can you implement row-level security in Power BI Service?

A: Row-level security in Power BI Service can be implemented by defining security roles and assigning users or groups to those roles. You can then configure row-level security filters based on the user's role to restrict data access.
Q54: How can you embed Power BI reports in other applications or websites?

A: Power BI reports can be embedded in other applications or websites using the Power BI Embedded service. You can use the Power BI API and embedding SDKs to integrate Power BI reports and dashboards into custom applications.
Q55: What is the difference between calculated columns and measures in terms of calculation context?

A: Calculated columns in Power BI are calculated row by row within the table's context, whereas measures are calculated within the visualization's context. Measures can aggregate data and perform calculations based on filters, slicers, and drill-downs.
Q56: How can you implement dynamic measures in Power BI?

A: Dynamic measures in Power BI can be implemented using DAX expressions and functions that accept dynamic inputs or parameters. You can define measures that change their calculations based on user selections or context.
Q57: What is the Power BI data model, and how is it created?

A: The Power BI data model is a collection of tables, relationships, and calculations that define the structure and behavior of data in Power BI. It is created by importing or connecting to data sources, defining relationships, and adding calculated columns and measures.
Q58: How can you create a custom connector in Power BI?

A: Custom connectors in Power BI can be created using the Power Query SDK. You can define a connector that connects to a specific data source or API, configure authentication and data retrieval logic, and package it as a custom connector.
Q59: What is the difference between Power BI Pro and Power BI Premium?

A: Power BI Pro is a per-user license that provides access to the Power BI service and allows users to create and share reports and dashboards. Power BI Premium is a capacity-based license that provides dedicated resources, advanced features, and higher performance for enterprise-wide deployments.
Q60: How can you use Power BI alerts to monitor data changes?

A: Power BI alerts allow you to set up notifications based on specific conditions or thresholds in your data. You can create alerts for visuals, measures, or data points and receive email notifications when the conditions are met.
Q61: How can you implement drill-through actions in Power BI reports?

A: Drill-through actions in Power BI reports can be implemented by defining drill-through relationships between tables and configuring drill-through options in the report. Users can then drill down from one report page to another to view detailed information.
Q62: How can you use Power BI to create a real-time dashboard?

A: Power BI supports real-time data streaming through technologies like Power BI Streaming Datasets, Azure Stream Analytics, and APIs. You can connect to real-time data sources and create dashboards that update in real time.
Q63: How can you create a KPI (Key Performance Indicator) in Power BI? KPIs in Power BI can be created using the KPI visual or by defining a measure with specific thresholds. You can specify the target value, actual value, and thresholds for good, warning, and critical states to visualize performance.

A: KPIs in Power BI can be created using the KPI visual or by defining a measure with specific thresholds. You can specify the target value, actual value, and thresholds for good, warning, and critical states to visualize performance.
Q64: What is the Power BI Data Gateway, and when is it used?

A: The Power BI Data Gateway is a software component that allows secure data transfer between Power BI and on-premises data sources. It is used when you want to connect to on-premises databases or files from Power BI Service.
Q65: How can you implement dynamic visuals in Power BI?

A: Dynamic visuals in Power BI can be implemented using measures, slicers, and conditional formatting. You can define measures that change their calculations based on user selections, use slicers to filter data dynamically, and apply conditional formatting based on data values.
Q66: How can you use Power BI to create a geographic map visualization?

A: Power BI provides built-in geographic mapping capabilities. You can add a map visual to your report, specify the location field, and choose the desired map type. Power BI will automatically plot data points on the map based on the specified location data.
Q67: How can you create a calculated column based on conditions in Power BI?

A: You can create a calculated column based on conditions in Power BI using the "New Column" option in the Power Query Editor or the DAX formula language. You can define a condition using IF, SWITCH, or other conditional functions and apply the desired calculations.
Q68: How can you use Power BI to create a hierarchy in a table?

A: To create a hierarchy in a table in Power BI, you can go to the Modeling tab in Power BI Desktop, select the desired table, and click on the "Manage Hierarchies" option. You can then define the hierarchy by specifying the desired columns and their order.
Q69: What is the Power BI Report Server, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI Report Server is an on-premises solution that allows you to host, manage, and distribute Power BI reports within your organization's infrastructure. It provides similar functionality to the Power BI Service but is deployed locally.
Q70: How can you use Power BI to create a measure with conditional calculations?

A: You can use the DAX formula language in Power BI to create measures with conditional calculations. You can use functions like IF, SWITCH, or CALCULATE to define different calculations based on specific conditions or scenarios.
Q71: What is the Power BI Developer Center, and what resources does it provide?

A: The Power BI Developer Center is a hub for developers that provides resources, documentation, samples, and tools for extending and customizing Power BI. It includes information about Power BI APIs, SDKs, custom visuals, and developer community resources.
Q72: How can you use Power BI to create a calculated table based on filters?

A: You can create a calculated table based on filters in Power BI by using DAX expressions and the "New Table" option in the Modeling tab. You can define the desired filters using functions like FILTER, CALCULATETABLE, or RELATEDTABLE.
Q73: How can you use Power BI to create a Pareto chart?

A: To create a Pareto chart in Power BI, you can use a combination of a column chart and a line chart. You can sort the data in descending order, calculate the cumulative percentage, and plot both the column chart and the line chart on the same visual.
Q74: How can you use Power BI to create a slicer that filters multiple visuals?

A: To create a slicer that filters multiple visuals in Power BI, you can add a slicer visual to your report and configure its interaction with other visuals. You can set the slicer to filter the data of multiple visuals, ensuring consistent filtering across the report.
Q75: How can you use Power BI to create a stacked column chart with multiple measures?

A: To create a stacked column chart with multiple measures in Power BI, you can add a column chart visual to your report and specify multiple measures as the values. Power BI will automatically stack the columns based on the measures.
Q76: What is the Power BI service principal, and how can it be used?

A: The Power BI service principal is a security principal that represents an application or service in Power BI. It can be used to authenticate and authorize access to Power BI resources programmatically using the Power BI REST API.
Q77: How can you use Power BI to create a calculated measure based on a slicer selection?

A: You can create a calculated measure based on a slicer selection in Power BI by using the SELECTEDVALUE or VALUES function in a DAX expression. These functions retrieve the selected value from the slicer, allowing you to perform calculations based on it.
Q78: How can you use Power BI to create a funnel chart?

A: To create a funnel chart in Power BI, you can use the funnel chart visual option and specify the relevant fields for the stage and value. Funnel charts are used to visualize a series of stages or steps and the decreasing values associated with each stage.
Q79: How can you use Power BI to create a custom visualization?

A: Power BI allows you to create custom visualizations using the Power BI Custom Visuals SDK. You can use JavaScript, TypeScript, and D3.js to develop custom visuals and integrate them into Power BI reports and dashboards.
Q80: How can you use Power BI to create a slicer that filters based on a hierarchy?

A: You can create a slicer that filters based on a hierarchy in Power BI by adding a hierarchy slicer visual to your report. The hierarchy slicer allows users to expand or collapse levels of the hierarchy and select specific items to filter the data.

Enroll Now

Power BI

Address

Courses