Layout of Excel spreadsheet for Power BI

Resolved · Low Priority · Version 365

Thu 25 Jan 2024, 10:23 Delegate Lisa said...

Lisa has attended:
Power BI Reporting course

Layout of Excel spreadsheet for Power BI

I have an excel spreadsheet that has the days of the week across the top and a list of activities running down vertically. When I upload to Power BI, it is picking up the days of the week but I need to pick up the information running down the spreadsheet. Is there a way I can do this without having to change the complete layout of the spreadsheet. It is data that I have to collect on a weekly basis and will need to be incorporated into the visuals on Power BI.

Thu 25 Jan 2024, 13:20 Trainer Jens said...

RE: Layout of Excel spreadsheet for Power BI

Hi Lisa,

Thank you for the forum question and the Excel file.

I am sorry but the structure of the Excel file is completely wrong both for use in Excel and Power BI. It is OK just for Excel if you do not need to do anything else than just look at the data.

All tools in Excel and Power BI are based on structured lists. You only have the data for one week. You will need a correct structured list where you can enter the data across may be years
to work with Power BI efficiently. You have blank rows, which are no go, but it will not help you just to delete the blank rows.

I am not saying that it is impossible but if your data are structured like this, you maybe be able to structure the data right in Power BI, but it will take high level of query knowledge.

Sorry the tasks in Excel and the Power BI task will be much more efficient if the Excel file was structured correct.

Kind regards

Jens Bonde
Microsoft Office Specialist Trainer

Tel: 0207 987 3777
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