Parameters in Power BI - Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Parameters let you create a value that you can change easily to control your report. This helps you test different scenarios or filter data without changing the main data source.

When you want to let users pick a value to filter sales data by year.

When you need to test how different discount rates affect profit in your report.

When you want to switch between different data sources without editing queries.

When you want to create a dynamic filter for regions that can be changed quickly.

When you want to control what data loads by setting a parameter for date range.

Steps

Step 1: Click

- Home tab > Manage Parameters > New Parameter

The New Parameter window opens where you can define your parameter.

Step 2: Type

- New Parameter window > Name field

You enter a clear name for your parameter, like 'Select Year'.

Step 3: Choose

- New Parameter window > Data Type dropdown

You select the type of value your parameter will hold, such as Whole Number or Text.

Step 4: Set

- New Parameter window > Suggested Values section

You define the list of allowed values or a range for your parameter.

Step 5: Enter

- New Parameter window > Current Value field

You set the default value that the parameter will use when the report loads.

Step 6: Click

- New Parameter window > OK button

The parameter is created and appears in the Queries pane.

Step 7: Use

- Query Editor > Replace a filter or value with the parameter

Your query now uses the parameter value to filter or control data.

Before vs After

Before

Query filters use fixed values like year = 2022, so changing the year needs editing the query.

After

Query filters use a parameter for year, so changing the year is as easy as updating the parameter value.

Settings Reference

Name

📍 New Parameter window > Name field

To identify the parameter clearly in your report.

Default: None

Data Type

📍 New Parameter window > Data Type dropdown

Defines what kind of value the parameter holds.

Default: Text

Suggested Values

📍 New Parameter window > Suggested Values section

Controls what values users can pick for the parameter.

Default: Any value

Current Value

📍 New Parameter window > Current Value field

Sets the starting value for the parameter when the report loads.

Default: First value in list or blank

Common Mistakes

Setting parameter data type to Text but using it to filter numeric columns.

The filter will not work correctly because data types do not match.

Match the parameter data type to the column data type, e.g., Whole Number for numeric filters.

Not setting suggested values, allowing any value that breaks the query.

Users can enter invalid values causing errors or empty results.

Use 'List of values' or 'Query' to restrict allowed parameter values.

Summary

Parameters let you create flexible values to control your report without changing queries.

You can use parameters to filter data, switch sources, or test scenarios easily.

Always match parameter data types to your data and restrict values to avoid errors.