formatting fields that are ID fields

[angelakephart]

When bringing in ID type fields that are whole numbers,  is it better to keep them as whole numbers or convert them to text.  Is it more efficient to link text fields or whole number fields?  An example would be an Order ID field.

[v-shex-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @angelakephart ,

AFAIK, power bi data model are stored as SSAS instance format. I'd like to suggest you use int type, it use less space than text type.

SQL SELECT speed int vs varchar

Power bi data model instance

Regards,

Xiaoxin Sheng