Composite models in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a composite model in Power BI?

A composite model lets you combine data from different sources, like DirectQuery and imported data, in one report.

beginner

Why use composite models instead of just import or DirectQuery?

Composite models give flexibility: you can keep some data live with DirectQuery and import other data for faster analysis.

intermediate

What is a 'storage mode' in the context of composite models?

Storage mode tells Power BI how data is stored or accessed: either imported into the model or queried live from the source.

intermediate

How does Power BI handle relationships between tables with different storage modes in composite models?

Power BI supports relationships between imported and DirectQuery tables, but some limitations apply to maintain performance.

intermediate

What is the benefit of using composite models for large datasets?

You can keep large tables in DirectQuery to avoid importing huge data, while importing smaller tables for fast calculations.

What does a composite model in Power BI allow you to do?

A Only import data from multiple sources

B Combine imported and DirectQuery data in one report

C Only use DirectQuery for all data

D Create dashboards without data

Composite models let you mix imported and DirectQuery data in the same report.

Which storage modes can be combined in a composite model?

A Only Import

B Import and CSV only

C Import and DirectQuery

D DirectQuery and Excel only

Composite models combine Import and DirectQuery storage modes.

What is a key advantage of using DirectQuery in composite models?

A Live data access without importing

B Faster report loading always

C No need for relationships

D Data is stored locally

DirectQuery lets you access live data without importing it.

Can you create relationships between imported and DirectQuery tables in composite models?

A Only if both use DirectQuery

B No, never

C Only if both are imported

D Yes, with some limitations

Power BI allows relationships between imported and DirectQuery tables but with some restrictions.

Which scenario best fits using composite models?

A Mixing large live data with smaller imported data

B Only small datasets

C No data refresh needed

D Using only Excel files

Composite models are great for mixing large live data with smaller imported tables.

Explain what a composite model is and why it is useful in Power BI.

Think about mixing fast imported data with live data.

Describe how relationships work between tables with different storage modes in composite models.

Consider how Power BI keeps data connected across modes.