Data Visualization with Microsoft Power BI

Chapter 18. Advanced KPI Cards

For the practice in this chapter, use this practice dataset.

In Chapter 8, we familiarized ourselves with cards designed to display total values, commonly referred to as key performance indicators (KPIs). The easiest way to display a KPI is as a rectangle containing a title (indicator name) and its corresponding value. However, typically, a KPI is associated with a target or baseline against which we compare the actual value. In relation to it, we configure conditional formatting for the data label.

Usually, we want to see the KPI alongside its difference (reference value). This additional value is displayed at a size approximately 1.5–2 times smaller than the KPI. Additionally, it has its own title, smaller in size than the main category label. With some effort, such a visual element can be grouped from two cards and two textboxes (Figure 18-1). For the end user, this will appear as a single element. However, for the developer, such an approach complicates the process of editing and maintaining the report.

Figure 18-1. Single card in a user view (left) and its components in a developer view (right)

Managing a single element is much more convenient, and there are quite a few of them in the AppSource gallery. Each visual has its unique features or, conversely, shortcomings that still need to be compensated for with text boxes. Some options are available ...