Simplifying date intelligence with DAX queries and calculated tables

In addition to the M query transformations described earlier in this chapter, DAX table functions can also be used in Power BI import mode models to enhance and simplify date intelligence. DAX queries can access existing tables in the data model, and the tables evaluated refresh can be used in and measure like all other tables. Similar to calculated columns, calculated tables should be rarely used given the transformation capabilities of M, SQL, and ETL tools, but can be valuable to models for small tables, such as role playing date dimensions and bridge tables.

This recipe provides an example of using DAX Calculated Tables to support role playing date dimensions. Additionally, a single row table is created via DAX to simplify common date intelligence measures.

How to do it...

Role playing date dimensions via calculated tables

1. Open a Power BI Desktop mode model locally.
2. From Report View, click on New Table from the Modeling...