This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Model the data (25–30%)
   --> Create model calculations by using DAX
      --> Create calculated tables or columns

Below are 10 practice questions (with answers and explanations) for this topic of the exam.
There are also 2 practice tests for the PL-300 exam with 60 questions each (with answers) available on the hub.

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Practice Questions

Question 1

You need to create a column that classifies customers as “High Value” or “Standard” based on their lifetime sales. The value does not need to change based on report filters.

Which approach is MOST appropriate?

A. Create a measure
B. Create a calculated column
C. Create a calculated table
D. Use a visual-level filter

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
The classification is row-level and static, making a calculated column the correct choice. Measures are dynamic and filter-dependent, which is unnecessary here.

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Question 2

A calculation must change dynamically when slicers are applied. Which option should you use?

A. Calculated column
B. Calculated table
C. Measure
D. Power Query custom column

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Only measures respond to filter context. Calculated columns and tables are evaluated at refresh and do not change with slicers.

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Question 3

You create a calculated column that references a measure. What happens?

A. The column updates dynamically
B. The column returns blank
C. Power BI throws an error
D. The measure is converted to row context

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Measures cannot be referenced directly inside calculated columns because measures require filter context, which is not available during column evaluation.

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Question 4

Which scenario is BEST suited for a calculated table?

A. Creating a sales KPI
B. Creating a Date dimension
C. Calculating profit margin
D. Filtering a visual dynamically

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Calculated tables are commonly used to create Date tables, helper tables, and bridge tables. KPIs and margins should be measures.

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Question 5

Which statement about calculated columns is TRUE?

A. They are evaluated at query time
B. They respond to slicers dynamically
C. They increase model size
D. They are not stored in memory

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Calculated columns are stored in the model, increasing memory usage. Measures are calculated at query time and not stored.

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Question 6

You need a table that aggregates sales by product and category to support a relationship. What should you create?

A. Measure
B. Calculated column
C. Calculated table
D. Visual aggregation

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Aggregated datasets that need to participate in relationships should be created as calculated tables.

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Question 7

Which DAX function is MOST commonly used when creating calculated tables?

A. CALCULATE
B. SUM
C. SUMMARIZE
D. DIVIDE

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
SUMMARIZE is commonly used to group and aggregate data when creating calculated tables.

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Question 8

Why should calculated columns be avoided for large datasets when possible?

A. They cannot be indexed
B. They slow down visuals
C. They increase memory consumption
D. They do not support relationships

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Calculated columns are stored in memory. Overusing them can significantly increase model size and degrade performance.

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Question 9

Which task should generally be performed in Power Query instead of using a calculated column?

A. Creating a slicer field
B. Creating a sort-by column
C. Cleaning and transforming raw data
D. Creating relationship keys

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Power Query is optimized for data cleansing and transformation and should be preferred over calculated columns whenever possible.

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Question 10

A calculated table is created using DAX. When is it evaluated?

A. Every time a slicer changes
B. Every time a visual loads
C. During data refresh
D. At report open

Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Calculated tables (like calculated columns) are evaluated only during data refresh, not during report interaction.

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Exam Takeaways

• ✔ Calculated columns → row-level, static logic
• ✔ Calculated tables → model support and structure
• ✔ Measures → dynamic, filter-aware calculations
• ❌ Avoid calculated columns for aggregations
• ❌ Avoid calculated tables for data cleaning

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