Parameters in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a parameter in Power BI?

A parameter is a value you can set to control or filter data dynamically in your reports. It helps you change report behavior without editing the data or formulas.

beginner

How do parameters improve report flexibility?

Parameters let users pick values like dates or categories to filter or change visuals. This makes reports interactive and reusable for different needs.

beginner

Where can you create parameters in Power BI?

You create parameters in Power Query Editor under the Manage Parameters option. Then you can use them in queries or filters.

intermediate

Can parameters be used in DAX formulas?

No, parameters are mainly used in Power Query. To create dynamic calculations in DAX, you use slicers or disconnected tables instead.

beginner

Give an example of a parameter use case in Power BI.

You can create a parameter for 'Year' so users select which year’s data to load or analyze. This avoids loading all years and speeds up reports.

Where do you create parameters in Power BI?

A Report View

B Model View

C Data View

D Power Query Editor

Parameters are created in Power Query Editor under Manage Parameters.

What is a main benefit of using parameters?

A Make reports interactive and flexible

B Automatically refresh data hourly

C Create complex DAX calculations

D Change report theme colors

Parameters allow users to change report inputs dynamically, making reports flexible.

Can parameters be directly used inside DAX formulas?

A Only in calculated columns

B Yes, always

C No, parameters are for Power Query

D Only in measures

Parameters are used in Power Query, not directly in DAX formulas.

Which of these is NOT a typical parameter type?

A Visual formatting style

B Number

C Date/Time

D List of values

Parameters control data values, not visual styles.

How do parameters help with report performance?

A By adding more visuals

B By filtering data before loading

C By increasing data size

D By disabling refresh

Parameters can filter data early in Power Query, reducing data load and improving performance.

Explain what a parameter is in Power BI and how it can be used to make reports more interactive.

Think about how you can let users pick values to change report data.

Describe the difference between parameters and slicers in Power BI.

Consider when and where each is applied in the report process.