This post is a part of the PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Exam Prep Hub; and this topic falls under these sections:
Visualize and analyze the data (25–30%)
   --> Create reports
      --> Create Visual Calculations by Using DAX

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 calculate a percent-of-total value that is only required in a single table visual. Which approach is most appropriate?

A. Create a calculated column
B. Create a reusable DAX measure
C. Create a visual calculation
D. Create a Power Query custom column

Correct Answer: C. Create a visual calculation

Explanation:
Visual calculations are ideal for visual-specific logic that does not need to be reused elsewhere in the model.

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Question 2

Which statement best describes a visual calculation?

A. A reusable calculation stored in the data model
B. A calculation evaluated during data refresh
C. A DAX calculation scoped to a single visual
D. A calculation written only in Power Query

Correct Answer: C. A DAX calculation scoped to a single visual

Explanation:
Visual calculations exist only within the visual in which they are created and are not reusable across the report.

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Question 3

A report author wants to reduce clutter in the semantic model by avoiding unnecessary measures. What feature supports this goal?

A. Calculated tables
B. Visual calculations
C. Drillthrough filters
D. Bookmarks

Correct Answer: B. Visual calculations

Explanation:
Visual calculations allow you to perform analysis without adding extra measures to the model.

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Question 4

Which scenario is best suited for a traditional DAX measure instead of a visual calculation?

A. A quick ranking used in one chart
B. A running total used only once
C. A business KPI used across multiple reports
D. A percent-of-total in a single matrix

Correct Answer: C. A business KPI used across multiple reports

Explanation:
Reusable and standardized business logic should be implemented as model measures, not visual calculations.

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Question 5

Visual calculations are evaluated based on which context?

A. Row context only
B. Report-level filter context
C. The visual’s data and layout context
D. The entire dataset

Correct Answer: C. The visual’s data and layout context

Explanation:
Visual calculations operate on the data displayed in the visual, including its grouping, ordering, and filters.

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Question 6

Which type of calculation is commonly implemented using visual calculations?

A. Row-level security rules
B. Calculated columns
C. Difference between consecutive rows
D. Data cleansing logic

Correct Answer: C. Difference between consecutive rows

Explanation:
Visual calculations excel at comparisons across visible rows, such as previous vs. current values.

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Question 7

A visual calculation is created in a matrix visual. What happens if the visual is removed from the report?

A. The calculation becomes a measure
B. The calculation remains in the model
C. The calculation is deleted with the visual
D. The calculation moves to another visual

Correct Answer: C. The calculation is deleted with the visual

Explanation:
Visual calculations are tied directly to the visual and do not exist independently in the model.

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Question 8

Which limitation should you consider before choosing a visual calculation?

A. They cannot reference DAX functions
B. They cannot respond to slicers
C. They are not reusable across visuals
D. They require Premium licensing

Correct Answer: C. They are not reusable across visuals

Explanation:
Visual calculations are limited to a single visual and cannot be shared or reused elsewhere.

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Question 9

A user asks for a month-over-month comparison that is needed only in one line chart. What is the best solution?

A. Create a calculated column
B. Create a visual calculation
C. Create a calculated table
D. Modify the data source

Correct Answer: B. Create a visual calculation

Explanation:
For one-off comparisons in a single visual, visual calculations provide a fast and efficient solution.

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Question 10

Which exam scenario most strongly indicates that a visual calculation should be used?

A. The calculation must be consistent across all reports
B. The calculation affects row-level security
C. The calculation is exploratory and visual-specific
D. The calculation must be used in multiple visuals

Correct Answer: C. The calculation is exploratory and visual-specific

Explanation:
Visual calculations are designed for ad hoc, visual-level analysis, not enterprise-wide logic.

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Exam-Day Reminder

When the PL-300 question emphasizes:

• One visual only
• Quick analysis
• Reducing model complexity
• Non-reusable logic

👉 Visual calculation is likely to be a possible correct answer.

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