what's the difference... column in query editor vs Data vs Report

[kintera]

I don't understand what the difference between columns created in these 3 places.  thanks

[v-frfei-msft]

Hi @kintera ,

In Data, we can create calculated columns based on DAX. However, we cannot see these columns in Power query.

In Power query. Any custom columns that we create are based on M code. You can check the M code in Advanced editor. And you can use and see all of these custom columns in data view / report.

Please refer to this article to understand how Power Query(Query Editor) and Power Pivot(Data View) work together.

[kintera]

Thanks for taking the time, Frank.

So, if I didn't want to use M code (or the wysiwyg Conditional, Column_From_Examples, etc) and was familiar with DAX, I would use the Data side. But are there any other considerations? Performance being one of them? The reference you provided was Excel-based, and didn't have much PowerBI specifics.

Again, thank you

[v-frfei-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @kintera ,

Calculated columns are used when you want to use a calculation in another calculation or in any other visulaization(s). In other words, that costs more memory than custom column.  You can refer to this blog.

https://www.fourmoo.com/2017/02/07/power-bi-why-creating-columns-in-the-query-editor-is-better-quick...

[kintera]

Thank you