Business Data Analytics & Advanced Excel · Beginner level

Beginner level · Module 4: Getting Started with Power BI · Lesson 2 of 3

Building a First Report

Load the cleaned data, check it in Power Query and build visuals with filters.

In this lesson you will

  • Load and check data in Power BI
  • Build visuals, slicers and a one-page layout

Key concepts

Get DataPower Query Editorvisualsslicers and filters

The lesson

Use Get Data to load the cleaned Excel table. Power BI opens Power Query, where you check column types and fix any problems before loading.

Build visuals by choosing a type and dragging fields: a card for total sales, a bar chart by branch, a line chart by month, a slicer for product.

Visuals interact: clicking a branch filters the other visuals. Arrange them on one page with a clear title.

Step by step

  1. Load the quarter's data.
  2. Check and fix column types.
  3. Build a card, a bar chart and a line chart.
  4. Add a product slicer.

Practice activity

Rebuild the quarterly dashboard as a Power BI report page.

Expected result: A one-page report with correct figures and working interactions.

Check your understanding

  1. Where are data types checked when loading data?

    Show answer

    In the Power Query Editor.

  2. What happens when you click a bar in a Power BI chart?

    Show answer

    Other visuals on the page filter to that selection.

Taught live by an instructor — online or in person. Free course lessons are for self-study and do not lead to a certificate — see registration options.