Bring your data to life with the ultimate beginner's guide to Power BI, now featuring Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and full-color visuals to make learning data modeling, storytelling, and dashboards easier and faster than ever
Key FeaturesBuild data literacy and gain confidence using Power BI through real-world, beginner-friendly examplesLearn to shape, clean, and model data using Power BI Desktop and Power Query, with zero experience requiredBuild vibrant, accurate reports and dashboards with real-world modeling examplesBook DescriptionUpdated with the latest innovations in Power BI, including integration with Microsoft Fabric for seamless data unification and Copilot for AI-powered guidance. This comprehensive guide empowers you to build compelling reports and dashboards from the ground up. Whether you're new to Power BI or stepping into a data role, this book provides a friendly, approachable introduction to business intelligence and data storytelling
You'll start with the Power BI Desktop interface and its core functionality, then move into shaping and cleaning your data using the Power Query Editor. From designing intuitive data models to writing your first DAX formulas, you’ll develop practical skills that apply directly to real-world scenarios. he book emphasizes how to use visualizations and narrative techniques to turn numbers into meaningful insights
The chapters focus on hands-on, real-world examples—like analyzing sales trends, tracking KPIs, and cleaning messy data. You'll learn to build and refresh reports, scale your Power BI setup, and enhance your solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Copilot. Fabric unifies analytics across your organization, while Copilot speeds up your workflow with AI-driven insights and report suggestions
By the end of the book, you’ll have the confidence and experience to turn raw data into insightful, impactful dashboards
What you will learnUnderstand why data literacy matters in decision-making and careersConnect to data using import, DirectQuery, and live connection modesClean and transform data using Power Query Editor and dataflowsDesign reports with visuals that support clear data storytellingApply row-level security to enforce access and data protectionManage and monitor Power BI cloud for scalability and teamworkUse AI tools like Copilot to speed up prep and generate insightsLearn Microsoft Fabric basics to enable unified data experiencesWho this book is forThis book is ideal for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in Power BI, regardless of prior experience. Whether you're just starting out or stepping into a new role that involves data, you'll find clear, approachable guidance throughout. The step-by-step tutorials and real-world examples make it easy to follow along—even if it’s your first time working with business intelligence tools
Table of ContentsData Literacy with Power BI Getting Started – Importing Data Options Data Transformation Strategies Building the Data ModelLeveraging DAX to build Calculated Columns, Measures and Tables Visualizing DataDigital Storytelling with Power BIUsing a Cloud Deployment with the Power BI ServiceMicrosoft Fabric for the Analyst Copilot in Power BI