Power Query interface overview in Power BI - Cell-by-Cell Formula Trace

Sample Data

This table lists the main parts of the Power Query interface and what each part does.

Cell	Value
A1	Step
B1	Action
C1	Description
A2	1
B2	Open Power Query Editor
C2	Launch the Power Query Editor from Power BI Desktop to start data transformation.
A3	2
B3	Navigator Pane
C3	Shows available data sources and tables to select for import.
A4	3
B4	Query Settings Pane
C4	Displays applied steps and properties of the selected query.
A5	4
B5	Ribbon
C5	Contains buttons for common data transformation tasks like filtering, sorting, and adding columns.
A6	5
B6	Data Preview
C6	Shows a preview of the data after each transformation step.

Formula Trace

N/A

Cell Reference Map

  A               B                      C
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
|Step| Action               | Description                                  |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 1  | Open Power Query     | Launch the Power Query Editor from Power BI |
|    | Editor               | Desktop to start data transformation.        |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 2  | Navigator Pane       | Shows available data sources and tables to  |
|    |                      | select for import.                           |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 3  | Query Settings Pane  | Displays applied steps and properties of the|
|    |                      | selected query.                              |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 4  | Ribbon               | Contains buttons for common data transformation|
|    |                      | tasks like filtering, sorting, and adding   |
|    |                      | columns.                                     |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 5  | Data Preview         | Shows a preview of the data after each      |
|    |                      | transformation step.                         |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+

This map shows the main interface parts of Power Query listed in the sample data.

Result

  A               B                      C
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
|Step| Action               | Description                                  |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 1  | Open Power Query     | Launch the Power Query Editor from Power BI |
|    | Editor               | Desktop to start data transformation.        |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 2  | Navigator Pane       | Shows available data sources and tables to  |
|    |                      | select for import.                           |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 3  | Query Settings Pane  | Displays applied steps and properties of the|
|    |                      | selected query.                              |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 4  | Ribbon               | Contains buttons for common data transformation|
|    |                      | tasks like filtering, sorting, and adding   |
|    |                      | columns.                                     |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+
| 5  | Data Preview         | Shows a preview of the data after each      |
|    |                      | transformation step.                         |
+----+----------------------+----------------------------------------------+

This is how the Power Query interface overview looks as a simple table in a spreadsheet.

Sheet Trace Quiz - 3 Questions

What does the Navigator Pane in Power Query show?

A Available data sources and tables

B Applied steps of the query

C Preview of transformed data

D Buttons for data transformation tasks

Key Result

N/A - This topic is an interface overview without formulas.

Practice

1. What is the main purpose of the Applied Steps pane in Power Query interface?

easy

A. To display the final output of the query only

B. To track every change made to the data so you can review or undo them

C. To connect to external data sources

D. To write custom formulas manually

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand the role of Applied Steps pane

   The Applied Steps pane shows each transformation step applied to the data in order.

2. Step 2: Identify its purpose in data editing

   This pane allows users to review or undo any changes made during data shaping.

3. Final Answer:

   To track every change made to the data so you can review or undo them -> Option B

4. Quick Check:

   Applied Steps pane = Tracks changes [OK]

Hint: Applied Steps = history of changes to undo or review [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Applied Steps with final output display
• Thinking it connects to data sources
• Assuming it is for writing formulas

2. Which part of the Power Query interface allows you to manage multiple queries easily?

easy

A. Queries pane

B. Applied Steps pane

C. Formula bar

D. Data preview window

Solution

1. Step 1: Identify the pane for managing queries

   The Queries pane lists all queries in the current Power Query session.

2. Step 2: Understand its function

   This pane helps users select, rename, or delete queries easily.

3. Final Answer:

   Queries pane -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Queries pane = Manage multiple queries [OK]

Hint: Queries pane lists and manages all queries [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Confusing Queries pane with Applied Steps pane
• Thinking Formula bar manages queries
• Assuming Data preview window manages queries

3. In Power Query, if you apply a filter step to remove rows with blank values, where will this step appear?

medium

A. In the Applied Steps pane as a new step

B. In the Queries pane as a new query

C. In the Data preview window only

D. In the Ribbon under Home tab

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand where transformation steps are recorded

   Every change like filtering rows is recorded as a step in the Applied Steps pane.

2. Step 2: Identify the correct location for the filter step

   The filter step appears as a new entry in the Applied Steps pane, showing the action taken.

3. Final Answer:

   In the Applied Steps pane as a new step -> Option A

4. Quick Check:

   Filter step = Applied Steps pane entry [OK]

Hint: Filter changes show up in Applied Steps pane [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Thinking filter creates a new query
• Looking for filter step in Ribbon or Data preview only
• Confusing Queries pane with Applied Steps pane

4. You tried to rename a query in the Queries pane but the name did not change. What is the most likely reason?

medium

A. The Ribbon is disabled

B. The Applied Steps pane is locked

C. You forgot to press Enter or click outside the name box after typing

D. You need to refresh the Data preview window first

Solution

1. Step 1: Understand how renaming works in Queries pane

   After typing a new name, you must press Enter or click outside to confirm the change.

2. Step 2: Identify why the name did not update

   If you do not confirm the edit, the old name remains and the change is lost.

3. Final Answer:

   You forgot to press Enter or click outside the name box after typing -> Option C

4. Quick Check:

   Rename requires confirmation by Enter or click [OK]

Hint: Press Enter after renaming query to save change [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Assuming Applied Steps pane controls query names
• Thinking Ribbon or Data preview affect renaming
• Not confirming edits after typing

5. You want to combine data from two queries and then filter the combined data. Which sequence of actions in Power Query interface is correct?

hard

A. Rename queries first, then use Data preview window to filter combined data

B. Filter each query separately, then use Queries pane to merge them

C. Use Applied Steps pane to combine queries, then Ribbon to filter data

D. Use the Ribbon's 'Append Queries' to combine, then apply filter step in Applied Steps pane

Solution

1. Step 1: Combine queries using Ribbon's Append Queries

   The Ribbon provides the 'Append Queries' option to combine two queries into one.

2. Step 2: Apply filter step after combining

   After combining, apply the filter step which appears in the Applied Steps pane to shape the data.

3. Final Answer:

   Use the Ribbon's 'Append Queries' to combine, then apply filter step in Applied Steps pane -> Option D

4. Quick Check:

   Combine with Ribbon, filter in Applied Steps [OK]

Hint: Combine first with Ribbon, then filter in Applied Steps [OK]

Common Mistakes:

• Filtering before combining data
• Using Queries pane to merge instead of Ribbon
• Trying to combine in Applied Steps pane