Power Query M is a formula language used to transform and shape data in Power BI. It provides a flexible and powerful way to clean, combine, and manipulate data from various sources.
Here are the key steps to transform data using Power Query M in Power BI:
- Load Data: Import your data source into Power BI using the “Get Data” option. You can connect to various sources like Excel, CSV, SQL databases, and more.
- Edit Query: Once your data is loaded, right-click on the query name and select “Edit Query.” This will open the Power Query Editor where you can apply transformations.
- Apply Transformations: Use the available functions and operators in Power Query M to perform transformations like:
- Cleaning: Remove duplicates, handle null values, and correct data types.
- Combining: Merge multiple tables based on common columns.
- Reshaping: Pivot or unpivot columns, add or remove columns.
- Filtering: Apply conditions to extract specific data.
- Sorting: Arrange data in ascending or descending order.
- Grouping: Group data by specific columns and calculate aggregations.
- Apply Steps: As you apply transformations, Power Query M generates a series of steps. You can edit or delete these steps to refine your data.
- Close and Apply: When you’re satisfied with the transformations, click “Close & Apply” to apply the changes to your Power BI report.
Found this interesting? Then check out our detailed Infographic on the use of Power Query M, and gain insights related to its benefits, market share, popular BI tools, and so on.
