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
      --> Use the CALCULATE function

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.

Practice Questions

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of the CALCULATE function in DAX?

A. To iterate over a table row by row
B. To change the filter context in which an expression is evaluated
C. To create calculated columns
D. To return a table of filtered rows

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
CALCULATE evaluates an expression in a modified filter context, making it the foundation of most advanced DAX measures. Iteration and table-returning logic are handled by other functions.

Question 2

Which measure correctly calculates total sales for only the year 2024?

Total Sales = SUM(Sales[SalesAmount])

A.

CALCULATE(Sales[SalesAmount], Sales[Year] = 2024)

B.

CALCULATE([Total Sales], Sales[Year] = 2024)

C.

FILTER([Total Sales], Sales[Year] = 2024)

D.

SUMX(Sales, Sales[SalesAmount], Sales[Year] = 2024)

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
CALCULATE modifies the filter context for an expression, typically a measure like [Total Sales]. Option A is invalid syntax, and C/D misuse FILTER and SUMX.

Question 3

What happens when CALCULATE is used inside a calculated column?

A. It disables row context
B. It converts row context to filter context
C. It ignores relationships
D. It removes all filters automatically

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
This is known as context transition. CALCULATE converts the current row context into filter context, allowing aggregations to work per row.

Question 4

Which function is most appropriate to remove filters from a single column?

A. FILTER
B. ALL
C. REMOVEFILTERS
D. VALUES

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
REMOVEFILTERS(Column) explicitly removes filters from a column and is preferred for clarity in modern DAX. ALL also removes filters but returns a table.

Question 5

Which scenario requires using a FILTER() function inside CALCULATE?

A. Applying a simple equality filter
B. Removing all filters from a table
C. Applying complex row-level conditions
D. Summing a column

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
FILTER() is required when Boolean filters are insufficient, such as multi-column or calculated conditions.

Question 6

Which statement about Boolean filters in CALCULATE is TRUE?

A. They can reference multiple columns
B. They can reference measures
C. They must reference a single column
D. They must return a table

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Boolean filter expressions in CALCULATE must reference one column only and cannot directly use measures.

Question 7

What will the following measure do?

Sales Ignore Year =
CALCULATE(
    [Total Sales],
    REMOVEFILTERS(Date[Year])
)

A. Show sales for the selected year
B. Ignore all date filters
C. Ignore only the Year filter
D. Return blank

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Only filters on Date[Year] are removed. Other date filters (month, day) remain active.

Question 8

Which DAX pattern is most common for time intelligence calculations?

A. SUMX with FILTER
B. CALCULATE with a date function
C. A calculated column
D. A disconnected table

✅ Correct Answer: B

Explanation:
Time intelligence functions such as DATESYTD, SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, and DATEADD are almost always used inside CALCULATE.

Question 9

Why is it recommended to create base measures before using CALCULATE?

A. Base measures improve visual formatting
B. CALCULATE cannot reference columns
C. Reusable logic simplifies complex measures
D. Base measures load faster

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
Using base measures (e.g., [Total Sales]) improves readability, maintainability, and reuse, which is a common PL-300 best practice.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes how CALCULATE handles existing filters?

A. It always removes them
B. It ignores slicers
C. It adds or overrides filters as specified
D. It applies filters only once

✅ Correct Answer: C

Explanation:
CALCULATE modifies filter context by adding new filters or overriding existing ones, depending on the filter arguments provided.

Final Exam Tips for CALCULATE (PL-300)

• Expect scenario-based questions
• Focus on filter context behavior
• Understand context transition
• Know when to use:
  • Boolean filters
  • FILTER()
  • ALL vs REMOVEFILTERS
• Assume CALCULATE is involved if logic feels “advanced”

Go back to the PL-300 Exam Prep Hub main page