Table and matrix layouts in Power BI - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the main difference between a Table and a Matrix visual in Power BI?

A Table shows data in a simple grid with rows and columns, while a Matrix allows grouping and nesting of rows and columns, similar to a pivot table.

intermediate

How can you add subtotals in a Matrix visual?

You can enable subtotals in the Format pane under Subtotals, which will show summary values for each group in rows or columns.

beginner

Why would you use a Matrix visual instead of a Table visual?

Use a Matrix when you want to show hierarchical data with expandable groups or when you want to display data summarized by multiple categories.

intermediate

What feature in Matrix allows you to drill down into data?

The drill down feature lets you click on a group to expand or collapse details, helping explore data at different levels.

intermediate

How do you freeze columns or rows in a Table visual for easier reading?

You can freeze the first column by enabling the 'Lock first column' option in the Format pane, so it stays visible when scrolling.

Which visual in Power BI supports hierarchical row and column grouping?

A Matrix

B Table

C Card

D Pie Chart

The Matrix visual supports hierarchical grouping in both rows and columns, unlike the Table visual.

How can you show totals for each group in a Matrix?

A Add a new measure

B Change the data source

C Use a slicer

D Enable subtotals in the Format pane

Subtotals can be turned on in the Format pane to show totals for groups in a Matrix.

What happens when you enable drill down in a Matrix visual?

A The visual exports to Excel

B The visual changes to a Table

C You can expand or collapse grouped data levels

D Data refreshes automatically

Drill down allows users to explore data by expanding or collapsing groups in the Matrix.

Which feature helps keep important columns visible when scrolling in a Table visual?

A Data labels

B Lock first column

C Conditional formatting

D Bookmarks

Locking the first column keeps it visible while scrolling horizontally.

Can you add multiple measures as columns in a Matrix visual?

A Yes, multiple measures can be added as columns

B No, only one measure is allowed

C Only if measures are numeric

D Only if measures are text

Matrix visuals support multiple measures as columns to compare values side by side.

Explain how a Matrix visual can help analyze sales data by region and product category.

Think about grouping rows by region and columns by product category with totals.

Describe the steps to format a Table visual to freeze the first column and add alternating row colors.

Look in the Format settings for these options.