Training course

DAX: A Practical Guide

This course is aimed at existing users of Power BI, Excel Power Pivot, or SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular, who need to take their data analysis skills to the next level.

You will learn how to mine and expose hidden information with the DAX (Data Analysis eXpressions) language. Common business scenarios are covered, highlighting useful DAX patterns that can be implemented and adapted to solve a variety of simple and complex calculations. The theory behind the concepts of DAX will be emphasised through practical examples.

Little, or no, previous knowledge of DAX is assumed. The training is designed from the ground up to introduce delegates to this new and powerful technology, and ultimately provide attendees with a more intimate knowledge of DAX. There is a linear progression throughout the training from the initial introductory material through to more intermediate and advanced topics. There is an emphasis on practical applications of DAX to enable delegates to be productive right from the word go after attending this course.

  • 2 Days
  • In person
Download outline (PDF)

Course Objectives

  • Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
    Create and use calculated columns
    Create and use measures
    Understand the key concepts of tabular data modelling
    Understand evaluation contexts
    Work with the CALCULATE function
    Work with the FILTER function
    Work with date functions
    Understand time intelligence in DAX
    Make decisions in DAX expressions
    Understand iterator functions
    Work with complex table relationships
    Create and use custom calendars
    Create and use DAX variables
    Gracefully handle errors in DAX

Prerequisites

  • Delegates should ideally have a working knowledge of Power BI Desktop, commensurate with that attainable by attending the “Power BI Desktop Complete” course, or similar.

    Alternatively, prior experience of Power Pivot, SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS) Tabular, or similar tool that works with the tabular model, should prove suitable.

    No previous knowledge of DAX is assumed.

Course content Back to top

  1. Introduction to DAX
    Introducing the DAX Expression Language
  2. Calculated Columns
    Adding Calculated Columns
    Properties of Calculated Columns
  3. DAX Measures
    Adding Measures
    Formatting DAX Code
    Measures that Use Other Measures
    Benefits of Measures
  4. Data Modelling 101
    Tabular Data Modelling Concepts
    Table Relationships
    Filters Across Multiple Tables
    Active & Inactive Relationships
  5. The CALCULATE Function
    Using the CALCULATE Function
    Evaluation Context
    Filter Operators
    Modifying the Filter Context
  6. The FILTER Function
    When Should You Use FILTER?
    Using the FILTER Function
  7. Working with Dates and Time Intelligence
    Date Functions in DAX
    Introduction to Time Intelligence
    Creating a Date Table
    Time Intelligence Functions
    Working with Weeks
  8. Conditional and Branching Logic
    Using the IF Function
    Checking for the Existence of Data
    The VALUES Function
  9. Iterator Functions
    The Purpose of Iterator Functions
    The SUMX Function
    Other Aggregate Iterator Functions
    Understanding Semi-Additive Calculations
  10. Complex Table Relationships
    Multiple Relationships Between the Same Two Tables
    The USERELATIONSHIP Function
    Disconnected Tables
  11. Custom Date Tables
    Introducing Custom Date Tables
    Creating Measures to Work with Custom Calendars
  12. Enhanced DAX Functionality
    Ranking Data
    Using DAX Variables
    Handling Errors in DAX

Training a team?

Run this course privately, on your dates

What delegates say Back to top

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“I am going to spend more time on preparation and practice”
B.J., Greencore Group, Train the Trainer
“All parts of the course were useful”
J., Esh Construction, Microsoft Project Essentials

Which part of the course did you find particularly valuable

“Leadership common attributes, skills and competencies”
G.F., Lloyd&39;S Register Gmt Ltd, Introduction to Supervisory Management

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“Set up and use a site for our team”
E.B., Urc, SharePoint Overview

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“Loads the way I interpret data and present it”
N.S., Burnetts Solicitors, Excel Level 2
“Good training, very knowledgeable, able to demonstrate options clearly. Thanks”
C.B., Lincolnshire Housing Partnership, Document Storage in Microsoft Office 365

Which part of the course did you find particularly valuable

“All of it”
A.W., Watmos, Microsoft Forms Essentials in Office 365 SharePoint and Power Automate

Following this training what are you going to do differently

“Efficiently working in sheets quicker”
J.P., Intermarketing, Excel Level 2

Please contact us to discuss your DAX: A Practical Guide course, we have many solutions available to ensure you receive the best training possible.

Learn with IT Training Solutions. Small course sizes. Course materials included. Flexible DAX: A Practical Guide course content. Expert trainers and tried & tested training methods. Many course materials available online using your personal training account. Please contact us to booka place or get a quote for your DAX: A Practical Guide course.

IT Training Solutions Ltd
Oakville, 14 Durham Road West, Bowburn, Durham, DH6 5AU
0191 377 8377
ittrainingsolutions.co.uk
Printed: 10/25/2026 11:51:30 PM