Introduction

​Selecting the right column data types in Power BI is essential for accurate data analysis and visualization. In this hands-on Power BI tutorial, we'll explore key data types, how to set them using the Power Query Editor and Power BI Desktop. Since this topic is relevant for the PL-300 exam, this guide will be a valuable resource for your preparation.

🔢 Data types in Power BI

The table below highlights the key data types in Power BI:

Data Type Description Example
🔢 Whole Number Stores integer values without decimal points 90
🔢 Decimal Number Stores floating-point numbers and keeps full precision 90.123456
🔢 Fixed Decimal Number Stores numbers with fixed decimal places 99.1
🔠 Text Stores text strings, including letters, numbers, and special characters. "Data Science"
📅 Date Stores date values 27.03.2025
🕒 Time Stores time values (HH:MM:SS) 14:30:00
📅🕒 Date/Time Stores date and time values 27.03.2025 14:30:00
✔️❌ True/False Stores logical values TRUE or FALSE TRUE, FALSE

🛠️ Set data types in the Power Query Editor

One way to specify data types is using the Power Query Editor. Click on the data type icon next to the column name and choose the data type.

💡
Exclusive Data Types in the Power Query Editor

The following data types are exclusively supported in the Power Query Editor:

- Date/Time/Timezone: Converted to Date/Time in the Power BI model.​

- Duration: Converted to Decimal Number in the Power BI model.​

- Binary: Used for loading binary files; must be converted to another data type before loading into the Power BI model to prevent errors. ​

💻 Set data types in Power BI Desktop

Another way to specify data types, is using the Power BI Desktop interface.

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