Tag Archives: Power Query

Split column into rows

May 18, 2017 Dr Nitin Paranjape 2 Comments

A brilliant new feature is now available in Power BI – Split column into rows. To understand why we need it, you must go and read the article – Analyzing badly captured Survey data or feedback forms. This method used Power Query concepts of Split and Unpivot. Now these have been combined into a single, intelligent command called Split columns into rows. It sounds confusing at first. But soon you will realize that it is an amazing tool. Learn it just 4 minutes.

Raw data looks like this

Split column into rows - raw data

And you get a report like this. No need to use formulas or do any manual work.

Split column into rows - Final Charts

You must have the May 2017 update for Power BI Desktop installed.

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Power BI

When to use Remove Top and Bottom Rows options in Power Query

January 15, 2016 Dr Nitin Paranjape Leave a comment

Here is a quick post to show the practical scenario when the Remove Top and Bottom Rows options are useful while cleaning up data using Power Query.

Remove Top Rows

Often we get CSV files which have tabular data. Sometimes, there is a title, blank rows and some other related but unwanted data just above the useful tabular data. In such cases, we use the Remove Top Rows option.

Remove Bottom Rows

If you get data from web pages (HTLM tables), the header row is repeated at the bottom. This option helps you remove the unwanted row.

Another common issue is that many reports dump data with a grand total at the bottom. Remove Bottom Rows option is also usefu in these cases.

Best Practice

It is quite possible that we focus on the top few rows while cleaning up data. It is equally important to import the data and look at the bottom rows. The bottom part of the data can have many issues which often go unnoticed and may even generate inaccurate results.

Power BI

Learn from the past to improve future using Excel Power BI

January 13, 2016 Dr Nitin Paranjape 1 Comment

Here is another short but power packed video which explains how analytics can drive growth. Read the related articles here.

Power BI, Power Query

Data Clean Up: Column groups into tabular columns

January 5, 2016 Dr Nitin Paranjape Leave a comment

Often we get data which is distributed in multiple column sets. Here is how you can convert it to good data (tabular column format) using Power Query. Watch the video. Sample File download.

Excel, Quality

Quality Management 2. Check Sheet

October 21, 2015 Dr. Nitin Paranjape 1 Comment

This is a simple check sheet. Usually done on paper. But with ubiquitous tablets being available, it can be done on Excel as well.

Excel check sheet

Photo credit: The U.S. Army / Foter / CC BY

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cleanup, Excel, Power Query

Data Split into Two rows – Cleanup using Power Query

October 5, 2015 Dr. Nitin Paranjape 3 Comments

This is the worst type of input data to get. Each row has been split into two (or sometimes more) rows. We want those to be combined into a single row. In an earlier article, I have shown one method of doing this.

Now here is a simpler, faster and more powerful method using Power Query.
(Estimated reading time 12 min)

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Analytics, Excel, Webinar

Data Analytics Webinar – Presentation Download with reference links

May 29, 2015 Dr. Nitin Paranjape Leave a comment

Presentation download with reference links

Download the Presentation (3 MB). I have added lots of links to related articles and external references including books written by stalwarts in Excel analytics field.

Presentation was used for delivering the webinar. You can download the webinar video from here. Or view it on YouTube using this link.

Efficiency 365