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Power Pivot Fundamentals

Sebastian Taylor

This course provides step-by-step instructions for how to set-up a business intelligence dashboard in Excel using the Power Pivot add-on. You’ll learn the key functions and best practices for setting-up a dashboard. As you progress through the course, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to a hands-on example using data we provide. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with everything you need to create your own dashboards in Excel—so you can analyze and present data, track KPIs, and make your data easily accessible.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

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This course provides step-by-step instructions for how to set-up a business intelligence dashboard in Excel using the Power Pivot add-on. You’ll learn the key functions and best practices for setting-up a dashboard. As you progress through the course, you’ll apply everything you’ve learned to a hands-on example using data we provide. By the end of this course, you’ll walk away with everything you need to create your own dashboards in Excel—so you can analyze and present data, track KPIs, and make your data easily accessible.

Upon completing this course, you will be able to:

● Create a Power Pivot table by drawing data from several different tables

● Develop simple calculated metrics with consistent formatting to be re-used across our dashboard

● Assemble multiple pivot tables, charts, and dimensions into a dashboard

● Apply DAX formatting language to create measures and columns that draw data from other tables

● Manipulate context to calculate more advanced metrics

● Utilize DAX Advanced Time Intelligence to create powerful period comparisons and KPIs

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation
In this module, you'll explore how Power Pivot transforms Microsoft Excel, bringing business intelligence and analysis capabilities to the forefront. Discover the key benefits, from creating pivot tables with multiple sources to performing powerful time period comparisons, and elevate your analysis skills to the next level with simple formulas and advanced functionalities.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides simple exercises to help transfer learning to practice
Offers expert instructors with a proven track record in business intelligence
Covers essential data modeling, metrics creation, and dashboard formatting techniques
Suitable for beginners seeking a foundation in business intelligence and Excel data analysis
Provides hands-on examples and practical exercises for reinforcement
Involves the use of Power Pivot add-on for Excel, which may require additional software

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Reviews summary

Mastering power pivot for excel analysis

According to students, this course is a highly effective and practical guide to leveraging Power Pivot in Excel. Learners frequently praise the instructor's ability to make complex topics like DAX functions and Time Intelligence easy to understand, making it invaluable for building robust business intelligence dashboards. The course's hands-on approach, including a comprehensive case study, is a standout feature, enabling students to immediately apply what they learn. While largely positive, some learners note that the pacing can be quick in advanced sections, and a basic understanding of data modeling can be helpful, though not strictly required.
Some desire more coverage on specific advanced topics.
"I would have liked a bit more focus on performance optimization for large datasets, but it's a 'fundamentals' course."
"Felt like some key aspects of data cleansing with Power Query weren't covered deeply enough."
"The course is good for foundational skills, but could be expanded for more complex scenarios."
Some find the pace quick, benefiting from prior data exposure.
"My only minor gripe is that sometimes the pace felt a little fast in the advanced DAX sections."
"For a 'fundamentals' course, it assumes a bit too much prior knowledge of data modeling."
"Some of the early material was a bit basic if you're already familiar with Excel pivot tables."
"I had to supplement with other resources to fully grasp some concepts."
The course's progressive structure aids foundational learning.
"A solid introduction to Power Pivot and DAX. The content is well-structured and builds progressively."
"The focus on Star Schema and data relationships was spot on for understanding data models."
"You've mastered the art of building insightful dashboards, creating data models, and understanding DAX basics."
Strong emphasis on hands-on application and real-world scenarios.
"I particularly found the hands-on Big Wings Airline case study very beneficial for applying what I learned."
"The practical examples made everything click."
"I utilized my data modeling, metrics creation, and dashboard formatting knowledge to meet the provided requirements."
"It truly delivered on its promise to help me build powerful dashboards efficiently."
Instructor excels at simplifying challenging DAX concepts.
"The instructor's explanations of DAX functions and context were incredibly clear."
"DAX Time Intelligence was demystified, and I can now create dynamic KPI reports."
"The instructor makes complex topics easy to understand, and the step-by-step approach is invaluable."
"The explanations of CALCULATE function and context transition were particularly insightful for me."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Power Pivot Fundamentals with these activities:
Review the basics of Excel
Build a stronger foundation in Excel, which is essential for this course.
Browse courses on Excel Basics
Show steps
  • Review basic Excel functions and formulas
  • Create and format a simple spreadsheet
Read 'Data Analysis with Power Pivot and Power BI'
Expand your knowledge and stay updated with this comprehensive book on Power Pivot and Power BI.
View Optimizing DAX on Amazon
Show steps
  • Purchase and read the book
  • Take notes and highlight important concepts
  • Apply what you've learned to your dashboard projects
Create a dashboard for a real-world dataset
Apply your skills by creating a dashboard that solves a real-world problem.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Identify a suitable dataset
  • Design and build the dashboard
  • Present your dashboard to others
Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Power Pivot Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Data Analyst
Data Analysts play a crucial role in transforming data into meaningful insights that drive better business decisions. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course provides a solid foundation for aspiring Data Analysts by teaching them how to create data models, use DAX to create advanced calculations, and build interactive dashboards that effectively communicate data insights. By mastering these skills, learners can enhance their analytical capabilities and become more valuable assets in any data-driven organization.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts are responsible for analyzing financial data, making recommendations, and developing strategies to optimize financial performance. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course is particularly relevant for those seeking a career in financial analysis, as it provides a deep understanding of data modeling and DAX, which are essential tools for financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to make informed financial decisions and contribute to the success of their organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts bridge the gap between business and technology, using data to understand business needs and drive improvements. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course can be a valuable asset for Business Analysts, as it provides a thorough understanding of data modeling and analysis techniques. By learning how to create data models, use DAX to create advanced calculations, and build interactive dashboards, learners can develop the skills needed to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and improve business processes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help organizations improve their performance by providing objective advice and recommendations. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course can be beneficial for Management Consultants, as it provides a strong foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to gather data, analyze it effectively, and present actionable insights to clients. This course can enhance a Management Consultant's ability to identify opportunities for improvement and drive positive change within organizations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to uncover hidden insights from data. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach these specialized techniques, it provides a solid foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are fundamental skills for Data Scientists. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to prepare data for analysis, create predictive models, and communicate insights effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist
Power BI Developer
Power BI Developers specialize in developing and maintaining Power BI solutions for organizations. This Power Pivot Fundamentals course provides a solid foundation for aspiring Power BI Developers by teaching them the underlying concepts of data modeling, DAX, and dashboard design. By mastering these skills, learners can develop the skills needed to create interactive and informative dashboards that help businesses make better decisions.
See salaries and explore the career path for Power BI Developer
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design, build, and maintain data infrastructure and pipelines to support data-driven organizations. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach data engineering skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are important concepts for Data Engineers to understand. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to work with data at scale and ensure the accuracy and integrity of data used for analysis.
See salaries and explore the career path for Data Engineer
Statistician
Statisticians use statistical methods to analyze data and draw meaningful conclusions. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach advanced statistical techniques, it provides a solid foundation in data modeling and DAX, which are important concepts for Statisticians to understand. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to prepare data for analysis, create statistical models, and communicate insights effectively.
See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician
Auditor
Auditors examine financial records and business practices to ensure accuracy and compliance. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach auditing skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to review financial data, identify discrepancies, and ensure that organizations are operating in accordance with regulations.
See salaries and explore the career path for Auditor
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals and organizations plan for their financial future. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach financial planning skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze financial data, create financial projections, and develop personalized financial plans.
See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Planner
Project Manager
Project Managers plan and execute projects to achieve specific goals. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach project management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to track project progress, identify risks, and make informed decisions to ensure successful project outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of an organization. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach operations management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze operational data, identify inefficiencies, and improve processes to enhance organizational performance.
See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager
Sales Manager
Sales Managers lead and motivate sales teams to achieve revenue targets. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach sales management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze sales data, identify trends, and develop effective sales strategies to drive revenue growth.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Manager
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers develop and execute marketing campaigns to promote products or services. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach marketing skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze marketing data, identify target audiences, and develop effective marketing campaigns to achieve business objectives.
See salaries and explore the career path for Marketing Manager
Human Resources Manager
Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources functions of an organization, including recruitment, training, and employee relations. While the Power Pivot Fundamentals course does not directly teach human resources management skills, it provides a valuable foundation in data analysis and modeling. By gaining proficiency in these areas, learners can develop the skills needed to analyze HR data, identify trends, and develop effective HR strategies to support the organization's workforce.
See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Power Pivot Fundamentals.
Cover image
Power Pivot and Power BI
Save
Helps you to understand how to use Power Pivot and Power BI to create data models and analyze data. It provides step-by-step instructions, examples, and exercises to help you learn how to use these tools effectively.
Power Pivot and Power BI
Paperback
Check
Power Pivot and Power BI
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Definitive Guide to DAX
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Power Pivot and Power BI, two powerful tools for data modeling and analysis in Excel. It covers all the essential concepts and techniques, from data import and modeling to creating interactive dashboards and reports.
The Definitive Guide to DAX: Business Intelligence...
Paperback
$$$
The Definitive Guide to Dax (Business Skills)
Paperback
$$$
Definitive Guide to DAX, The: Business intelligence...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook
Save
Provides a collection of recipes for solving common problems in Power BI. It covers a wide range of topics, from data modeling to visualization to report creation. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Power BI effectively.
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook - Second Edition: Gain...
Paperback
$$$
Microsoft Power BI Cookbook: Gain expertise in...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Optimizing DAX
Save
Provides a guide to using Power BI for the enterprise. It covers how to use Power BI to create and deploy enterprise-scale BI solutions. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
Optimizing DAX
Paperback
Check
Optimizing DAX
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Power Pivot and Power Bi: The Excel User's Guide to...
Save
Comprehensive guide to Power Pivot, a powerful tool for data modeling and analysis in Excel. It covers all the essential concepts and techniques, from data import and modeling to creating interactive dashboards and reports.
Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
DAX Patterns
Save
Provides a collection of patterns for writing DAX expressions. These patterns can be used to solve common problems in data analysis. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to write efficient and effective DAX expressions.
DAX Patterns: Second Edition
Paperback
$$
DAX Patterns 2015
Paperback
$$
DAX Patterns: Second Edition
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Power Pivot and Power BI
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of Power BI for data analysis. It covers all aspects of Power BI, from data modeling to visualization to report creation. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
Power Pivot and Power BI: The Excel User's Guide to...
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Master Your Data with Power Query in Excel and...
Save
Provides a comprehensive guide to Power Query. Power Query data transformation tool that can be used to clean and prepare data for analysis. It's a great resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Power Query effectively.
Master Your Data with Power Query in Excel and...
Paperback
$$
Master Your Data with Power Query in Excel and...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
MrExcel 23
Save
Provides a guide to using Power BI with Excel. It covers how to use Power BI to extend the capabilities of Excel. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
MrExcel 2024: Igniting Excel
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Pro Power BI Desktop
Save
Provides a quick start guide to Power BI Desktop. It covers the basics of Power BI Desktop, from data modeling to visualization to report creation. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
Pro Power BI Desktop: Self-Service Analytics and...
Paperback
$$
Pro Power BI Desktop
Kindle Edition
$$
Pro Power BI Desktop
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional...
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to Power BI. It covers the basics of Power BI, from data modeling to visualization to report creation. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
Expert Cube Development with SSAS Multidimensional...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Supercharge Power Bi
Save
Provides a gentle introduction to Power BI. It covers the basics of Power BI, from data modeling to visualization to report creation. It's written in a clear and concise style, with lots of examples and exercises.
Supercharge Power BI: Power BI is Better When You...
Paperback
$$
Supercharge Power BI: Power BI is Better When You...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Optimizing DAX
Save
Guide to Power Pivot and Power BI for data analysts. It covers all the essential concepts and techniques, from data import and modeling to creating interactive dashboards and reports.
Optimizing DAX: Improving DAX performance in...
Paperback
$$$
Optimizing DAX: Improving DAX performance in...
Kindle Edition
$$$

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Similar courses

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Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Corporate Finance Institute
Instructor
Sebastian Taylor
Language
English
This course belongs to a collection called Data Skills for Excel Professionals. It's comprised of three courses:
  1. Power Pivot Fundamentals (viewing)
  2. Power Query Fundamentals
  3. Fundamentals of Data Analysis in Excel
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides simple exercises to help transfer learning to practice
Offers expert instructors with a proven track record in business intelligence
Covers essential data modeling, metrics creation, and dashboard formatting techniques
Suitable for beginners seeking a foundation in business intelligence and Excel data analysis
Provides hands-on examples and practical exercises for reinforcement
Involves the use of Power Pivot add-on for Excel, which may require additional software
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