Business Data Analytics & Advanced Excel · Intermediate level

Intermediate level · Module 2: Data Modelling in Power BI · Lesson 3 of 3

Date Tables and Model Hygiene

Add a proper date table and tidy the model so report builders find the right fields.

In this lesson you will

  • Create and mark a date table
  • Hide technical columns and organise fields

Key concepts

date tablemark as date tablehiding columnsdisplay folders

The lesson

A date table has one row per day covering the whole period, with columns for month, quarter and year. Mark it as the date table so time calculations work.

Hide keys and technical columns that report builders should not use, and organise measures into display folders.

Name tables and columns in business language so users understand them without help.

Step by step

  1. Create a date table.
  2. Mark it and relate it to both fact tables.
  3. Hide keys and technical columns.
  4. Rename fields in business language.

Practice activity

Finalise and document the solution's model.

Expected result: A tidy, documented model ready for measures.

Check your understanding

  1. What must a date table contain?

    Show answer

    One row for every day in the period, with month, quarter and year columns.

  2. Why hide key columns?

    Show answer

    So report builders use the right fields.

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.