Basic DAX Functions
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Learn essential DAX functions to perform calculations in Power BI.
Aggregation Functions
Aggregation functions summarize data across rows.
SUM()
Calculates total of a numeric column.
Syntax:
Total Sales = SUM(Sales[SalesAmount])Example:
Total Sales → 4500
COUNT()
Counts number of rows in a column (ignores blanks).
Syntax:
Order Count = COUNT(Sales[OrderID])AVERAGE()
Calculates average of numeric column.
Syntax:
Average Sales = AVERAGE(Sales[SalesAmount])Example:
Average Sales → 1500
Logical Function
Logical functions help create conditions.
IF()
Checks a condition and returns value based on TRUE/FALSE.
Syntax:
Sales Category =
IF(Sales[SalesAmount] > 1000, "High", "Low")Example:
Context Function
CALCULATE()
Most important DAX function. Changes filter context of a measure.
Syntax:
Total Sales Gujarat =
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[SalesAmount]), Sales[Region] = "Gujarat")SUM(Sales[SalesAmount]) → Calculation
Sales[Region] = "Gujarat" → Filter applied
Example:
Total sales for Gujarat only, ignoring other regions.Why CALCULATE() is Important
Allows dynamic measures
Supports multiple conditions
Key for time intelligence functions (YTD, MTD, YOY)
Example with multiple filters:
High Value Gujarat Sales =
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[SalesAmount]),
Sales[Region] = "Gujarat",
Sales[SalesAmount] > 1000
)Quick Reference Table