Data Analysis with Microsoft Power BI

Good Power BI analysis depends on more than a well-chosen chart. It also takes sound data preparation, clear models, thoughtful measures, and a way to share the finished work. Brian Larson’s Data Analysis with Microsoft Power BI follows that process from the perspective of both the report user and the person building the analysis.

The book starts with business intelligence and self-service analytics, then moves through report interaction, visualization, data transformation, tabular modeling, and DAX. Its five-part structure makes room for both practical creation and reference-style coverage of Power BI tools and concepts.

From business questions to useful reports

Early chapters introduce the BI process, key performance indicators, and organizational considerations for self-service analytics. The book then explores Power BI’s architecture and the ways people work with reports, filters, slicers, dashboards, workspaces, and the Power BI Service. This context helps readers see reports not as isolated screens, but as part of a broader analytics workflow.

Build visualizations with purpose

Larson covers basic charts and geographic visualizations, formatting, themes, and interactivity. Topics such as drillthrough, bookmarks, synchronized slicers, custom tooltips, and custom visuals show how report design can support exploration as well as presentation.

Understand the data behind the view

Later sections turn to loading and transforming data with Power BI’s Query Editor, creating relationships, and shaping user-friendly tabular models. Dedicated chapters cover calculated columns, measures, context, time analytics, variables, and DAX functions. Together, these subjects connect what appears in a report with the modeling and calculations that produce it.

For Power BI learners and practitioners

This ebook may suit readers learning the Power BI workflow as well as analysts who want a structured reference across visualization, modeling, and DAX. Practical exercises based on business scenarios are part of the book’s approach, while separate reference chapters provide a place to revisit transformations and functions.

Explore how reports, models, and business questions fit together in Data Analysis with Microsoft Power BI.