How to Add Conditional Columns In Power BI?

What are Power BI Conditional Columns? 

Power BI Conditional columns are a feature in data analysis tools like Power BI that allows users to create new columns in a dataset based on specified conditions. These conditions are defined using logical expressions, and the resulting column values are determined by whether the conditions are met or not. For example, you could create a column that categorizes customers as “high-value” if their purchase exceeds a certain amount or flags potential sales risks based on specific criteria. 

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Two Ways to Create Power BI Conditional Columns are

1. Power BI Conditional Column using GUI: Power BI offers a built-in feature for adding conditional columns through a simple point-and-click interface. Ideal for basic scenarios and quick explorations. 

2. Power BI Conditional Column using DAX: For complex conditions and advanced customization, use DAX formula language. This allows intricate calculations and tailored logic for your specific needs. 

Adding Power BI Conditional Columns with Multiple Conditions Using the GUI

Power BI makes it convenient to add conditional columns through the GUI. The “Add Column” > “Conditional Column” feature allows users to implement complex logic quickly. Below are the steps to add a conditional column with multiple conditions:

1. Open Power BI Desktop and load your datasets. Go to the “Transform Data” Option under the “Home” tab in the Power BI Desktop to open the Power Query Editor.

2. In the Power Query Editor, choose the table that contains the data to which you want to add a conditional column.

3. To Initiate the Power BI conditional column creation, click “Add Column” under the “Home” tab. Select “Conditional Column” from the dropdown menu.

4. In the “New column name” field, enter a name for your new conditional column. In the “If” dropdown, choose the first condition column. Set the operator (equals, greater than, etc.) and provide the value for the condition.

5. To add more conditions, use the “AND/OR” dropdown. Choose whether the new condition should be combined with the previous one using “AND” or “OR.”

6. For more complex logic, click on the “Add Rule” button. This allows you to create nested “IF” statements, adding layers of conditions for intricate scenarios.

7. For each condition, specify the outcome or value if the condition is met. Continue this process for all conditions you want to include.

8. review the logic in the “Conditional Column” dialogue box to ensure accuracy. Click “OK” to confirm and apply the changes.

Example with Power BI conditional column using GUI:

Let’s consider an example where we want to create a column called “Customer Segment” based on two conditions: “Total Sales” and “Number of Orders.”

1. If Total Sales > $50,000 and Number of Orders > 10, then Customer Segment is “High Value.”
2. If Total Sales > $30,000 and the Number of Orders > 5, then the Customer Segment is “Medium Value.”
3.  If neither condition is met, the Customer Segment is “Low Value.”

Following the steps outlined above, users can easily set up such multiple conditions using the GUI, allowing for precise and customizable data categorization.

Get to know the process of how to add conditional columns in Power BI.