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Labs

Transform Data in Power BI with Power Query

In this lab, you’ll practice data transformation using Power Query. When you’re finished, you’ll have the skills and hands-on experience to apply various data transformation techniques in Power BI projects.

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Labs

Path Info

Rating
(36 reviews)
Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 55m
Published
Clock icon Mar 21, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Get Started in the Lab Environment

    Here are the initial instructions and explanation of the lab environment. Read this while your environment is busy creating itself from nothing. Yes, this violates physics; we know. How fun!

  2. Challenge

    Change Column Data Types and Perform Basic Data Cleaning

    First, you need to bring data into Power BI. Power BI enables you to connect to various disparate data sources, such as SQL databases, Excel or CSV files, SharePoint lists, and many more. Then, you’ll change column data types where necessary, and apply basic data cleaning to bring your data into proper shape. Usually, Power BI models consist of more than one table. Hence, you will need to import multiple tables into Power BI.

  3. Challenge

    Apply Split Column and Unpivot Transformations

    Power Query provides a wide range of built-in transformations to enable a smooth and powerful data shaping process. Very often, the source data is stored in a structure that is not the best fit for Power BI reports. Hence, you need to apply various transformations, such as Split column or Pivot/Unpivot, to reshape the data structure.

  4. Challenge

    Combine Multiple Queries and Group Data

    Loading the data from a single file is nice, but only in case you don’t have to deal with a massive number of files. In that scenario, loading the data from files one-by-one would be a tedious and time-consuming task. Hence, you’ll now connect to and load the data from multiple files in the folder at once! Then, you’ll use built-in Power Query features to combine the data from multiple queries.

  5. Challenge

    The Last Challenge

    Welcome to the final challenge! This is your last chance to experiment in the environment. Clicking Finish Lab will end this little world that flittered into existence just for you. Take this opportunity to try new things. Don't be afraid to break anything; be curious!

Nikola has multi-year experience working with various flavors of data, predominantly with Microsoft BI stack. Started with SQL Server, then brushed himself with SSAS Multidimensional, SSIS, SSRS, Power BI, Azure, etc. Nikola is really curious by nature and always trying to learn something new.

What's a lab?

Hands-on Labs are real environments created by industry experts to help you learn. These environments help you gain knowledge and experience, practice without compromising your system, test without risk, destroy without fear, and let you learn from your mistakes. Hands-on Labs: practice your skills before delivering in the real world.

Provided environment for hands-on practice

We will provide the credentials and environment necessary for you to practice right within your browser.

Guided walkthrough

Follow along with the author’s guided walkthrough and build something new in your provided environment!

Did you know?

On average, you retain 75% more of your learning if you get time for practice.