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The Definitive Guide to DAX: Mastering the semantic model expression language for Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, and Excel, 3rd Edition
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The Definitive Guide to DAX: Mastering the semantic model expression language for Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, and Excel, 3rd Edition

by Alberto Ferrari, Marco Russo
December 2025
Beginner to intermediate
849 pages
22h 5m
English
Microsoft Press

Overview

Seasoned Experts Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo Help You Master DAX for Superior Business Intelligence Solutions

The Definitive Guide to DAX is an authoritative resource for mastering the DAX language, which is pivotal for creating measures for semantic models in Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, Analysis Services, and Excel. With years of experience since the inception of Power Pivot, the authors offer a comprehensive reference that navigates through the unique and complex concepts of DAX, making it an essential tool for BI professionals. This third edition updates you with the latest features and provides a framework for writing efficient DAX code, enhancing your ability to customize calculations in data models. You will gain the skills necessary to understand and apply advanced DAX concepts, structure code in user-defined functions, and leverage new calendars for time intelligence calculations.

By reading this book, you will:

  • Understand the foundational concepts of DAX and its unique language structure

  • Master the use of evaluation contexts to enhance data analysis

  • Utilize CALCULATE and CALCULATETABLE functions effectively

  • Implement variables to simplify complex DAX expressions

  • Leverage classic and new calendar based time intelligence functions

  • Work with iterators to perform advanced calculations

  • Apply visual calculations to improve report interactivity

  • Create and manage calculation groups for dynamic reporting

  • Handle complex hierarchies and relationships in data models

  • Author DAX queries for testing and troubleshooting

About This Book

  • For BI professionals and Excel power users eager to deepen their understanding of DAX and enhance their data modeling capabilities with advanced techniques

  • For data analysts and IT specialists seeking to optimize their use of Microsoft Power BI, Fabric, Analysis Services, and Excel for more efficient and insightful data analysis

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Publisher Resources

ISBN: 9780138244767