The 60 Minutes Introduction to DAX
Learn the core DAX concepts behind Power BI calculations, including measures vs calculated columns, row and filter context, and how to avoid common beginner mistakes.
Speaker
Markus Ehrenmueller-Jensen
Power BI and data platform consultant · Savory Data · Microsoft Data Platform MVP
Overview
Microsoft Power BI, Analysis Services and Power Pivot all run their calculations on DAX (Data Analysis Expressions). The basics look simple, but accurate, efficient calculations depend on understanding how DAX evaluates them. This 60-minute introduction to DAX helps you build that foundation and sidestep common beginner mistakes.
Through practical examples, the session covers five early lessons: the difference between calculated columns and measures, row context, filter context, context transition and how evaluation context shapes every result.
You'll move from trial-and-error toward a structured view of DAX logic, learn to build dynamic measures, debug and improve calculations, and leave with a recommended learning path. It suits newcomers to Power BI and those already building reports and models.
Why attend: Many Power BI users struggle with DAX not because the syntax is hard but because evaluation context is not fully understood. Getting the right mental model early helps you write better calculations, troubleshoot faster and create more dynamic, interactive reports. The session suits Power BI developers, data, BI, reporting, business and financial analysts, Excel power users moving to Power BI, self-service BI users and anyone building reports or models in Power BI, Excel, Analysis Services Tabular or Microsoft Fabric.
What’s covered
- Introduction to DAX and its role in Power BI
- Why DAX feels simple but becomes complex
- Understanding evaluation context
- Calculated columns vs. measures
- Row context explained with examples
- Filter context explained with examples
- Context transition and why it matters
- Common DAX mistakes and how to avoid them
- Building dynamic calculations with measures
- Practical demonstrations and real-world use cases
- Tips for debugging and improving DAX calculations
- A recommended learning path for DAX skills
Who should attend
What you get
About the speaker
Markus Ehrenmueller-Jensen is a Microsoft Data Platform expert, trainer, and consultant specializing in Power BI, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, and data analytics solutions. With many years of international consulting and training experience, Markus helps organizations and professionals better understand modern data technologies and turn data into actionable insights.
He is well known in the global Microsoft data community as an international conference speaker, author, and educator, regularly presenting at events, user groups, and technical conferences worldwide. Markus focuses on making complex technical topics understandable and practical, helping attendees bridge the gap between theory and real-world implementation.
His areas of expertise include Power BI, DAX, Data Modeling, Microsoft Fabric, SQL Server, Azure Data Services, and Business Intelligence architecture. Through his engaging and practical presentation style, Markus empowers attendees to build confidence and deepen their technical understanding.
Staci Warne · 60 min
Cathy Horwitz · 180 min
Craig Brody · 60 min