Data Visualization with Microsoft Power BI

Part I. Classic Visuals

In this part, we will introduce you to the most popular types of charts. You’ve likely seen and even used them before. According to our experience, around 90% of corporate reports consist of these visual elements:

• Column and bar charts

• Pie and donut charts

• Timeline charts

• Tables

• Key performance indicator (KPI) cards

Beginner Power BI users often try to build advanced charts right away and ignore the classics. As a result, they might fail, and the management might find it too complex, asking to revert to the “old ways” with presentation slides or spreadsheets.

However, complex shapes and forms are not always necessary. You can complete your tasks with well-configured familiar visual elements. In Power BI, many things work similarly to Excel pivot tables, but there are parameters that work entirely differently. This is why the very first chapter is called “Power BI Interface and Chart Anatomy.”

We’ve designed this material to make it easy for you to learn on your own and explain to others why you chose a particular visualization. Use the step-by-step guides to convey the meaning of your data effectively through classic charts. If you’re already well versed in the basics and are tired of explaining them to your colleagues, give them this book. It contains all the rules for creating informative reports with clear examples.

Beyond bar and pie charts, as well as graphs, the section about classic visualizations also includes chapters on configuring tables and ...