Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide
The ultimate beginner's guide to Power BI, data storytelling, AI tools, and Microsoft Fabric
4th Edition
Will be published approx. on 18. September 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
978-1-83702-529-9 (ISBN)
Description
Bring your data to life with the ultimate beginner's guide to Power BI, now featuring Microsoft Fabric, Copilot, and full-color visuals to make learning data modeling, storytelling, and dashboards easier and faster than ever
Key Features
Build data literacy and gain confidence using Power BI through real-world, beginner-friendly examples
Learn to shape, clean, and model data using Power BI Desktop and Power Query, with zero experience required
Build vibrant, accurate reports and dashboards with real-world modeling examples
Book DescriptionUpdated with the latest innovations in Power BI, including integration with Microsoft Fabric for seamless data unification and Copilot for AI-powered guidance. This comprehensive guide empowers you to build compelling reports and dashboards from the ground up. Whether you're new to Power BI or stepping into a data role, this book provides a friendly, approachable introduction to business intelligence and data storytelling
You'll start with the Power BI Desktop interface and its core functionality, then move into shaping and cleaning your data using the Power Query Editor. From designing intuitive data models to writing your first DAX formulas, you'll develop practical skills that apply directly to real-world scenarios. he book emphasizes how to use visualizations and narrative techniques to turn numbers into meaningful insights
The chapters focus on hands-on, real-world examples-like analyzing sales trends, tracking KPIs, and cleaning messy data. You'll learn to build and refresh reports, scale your Power BI setup, and enhance your solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Copilot. Fabric unifies analytics across your organization, while Copilot speeds up your workflow with AI-driven insights and report suggestions
By the end of the book, you'll have the confidence and experience to turn raw data into insightful, impactful dashboardsWhat you will learn
Understand why data literacy matters in decision-making and careers
Connect to data using import, DirectQuery, and live connection modes
Clean and transform data using Power Query Editor and dataflows
Design reports with visuals that support clear data storytelling
Apply row-level security to enforce access and data protection
Manage and monitor Power BI cloud for scalability and teamwork
Use AI tools like Copilot to speed up prep and generate insights
Learn Microsoft Fabric basics to enable unified data experiences
Who this book is forThis book is ideal for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in Power BI, regardless of prior experience. Whether you're just starting out or stepping into a new role that involves data, you'll find clear, approachable guidance throughout. The step-by-step tutorials and real-world examples make it easy to follow along-even if it's your first time working with business intelligence tools
Key Features
Build data literacy and gain confidence using Power BI through real-world, beginner-friendly examples
Learn to shape, clean, and model data using Power BI Desktop and Power Query, with zero experience required
Build vibrant, accurate reports and dashboards with real-world modeling examples
Book DescriptionUpdated with the latest innovations in Power BI, including integration with Microsoft Fabric for seamless data unification and Copilot for AI-powered guidance. This comprehensive guide empowers you to build compelling reports and dashboards from the ground up. Whether you're new to Power BI or stepping into a data role, this book provides a friendly, approachable introduction to business intelligence and data storytelling
You'll start with the Power BI Desktop interface and its core functionality, then move into shaping and cleaning your data using the Power Query Editor. From designing intuitive data models to writing your first DAX formulas, you'll develop practical skills that apply directly to real-world scenarios. he book emphasizes how to use visualizations and narrative techniques to turn numbers into meaningful insights
The chapters focus on hands-on, real-world examples-like analyzing sales trends, tracking KPIs, and cleaning messy data. You'll learn to build and refresh reports, scale your Power BI setup, and enhance your solutions using Microsoft Fabric and Copilot. Fabric unifies analytics across your organization, while Copilot speeds up your workflow with AI-driven insights and report suggestions
By the end of the book, you'll have the confidence and experience to turn raw data into insightful, impactful dashboardsWhat you will learn
Understand why data literacy matters in decision-making and careers
Connect to data using import, DirectQuery, and live connection modes
Clean and transform data using Power Query Editor and dataflows
Design reports with visuals that support clear data storytelling
Apply row-level security to enforce access and data protection
Manage and monitor Power BI cloud for scalability and teamwork
Use AI tools like Copilot to speed up prep and generate insights
Learn Microsoft Fabric basics to enable unified data experiences
Who this book is forThis book is ideal for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in Power BI, regardless of prior experience. Whether you're just starting out or stepping into a new role that involves data, you'll find clear, approachable guidance throughout. The step-by-step tutorials and real-world examples make it easy to follow along-even if it's your first time working with business intelligence tools
More details
Edition
4th Revised edition
Language
English
Place of publication
Birmingham
United Kingdom
Edition type
Revised edition
Dimensions
Height: 235 mm
Width: 191 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-83702-529-9 (9781837025299)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Devin Knight is the President at Pragmatic Works Training. There he determines which courses are created, delivered, and updated for customers, including 60+ Power BI courses. This is the eleventh SQL Server and Business Intelligence book that he has authored. Devin often speaks at conferences such as PASS Summit, Power Platform Community Conference, SQL Saturdays, and Code Camps. Making his home in Jacksonville, FL, Devin is a contributor at the local technology community groups. He is passionate about mentoring the next generation of data professionals and sharing practical insights gained through years of hands-on experience. His training content has helped thousands of users around the world better understand and leverage Microsoft's data tools. Erin Ostrowsky is a data strategist and Power BI consultant who brings storytelling and technical insight together to drive smart decisions. With roots in business journalism and a passion for visual analytics, she has trained and advised teams from mine sites to boardrooms. As a former national trainer for Pragmatic Works and co-author of the Power BI Quick Start Guide, Erin blends communication skills with real-world reporting strategy. She now focuses on helping mining, manufacturing, and construction teams turn their systems and spreadsheets into high-impact dashboards. Whether delivering training, building reports, or architecting solutions, Erin empowers clients to unlock the full value of their data. Mitchell Pearson has worked as a Data Platform Consultant and Trainer for the last 8 years. Mitchell has authored books on SQL Server, Power BI and the Power Platform. Data Platform experience includes designing and implementing enterprise level Business Intelligence solutions with the Microsoft SQL Server stack (T-SQL, SSIS, SSAS, SSRS), the Power Platform and Microsoft Azure.
Mitchell is very active in the community: Running the local Power BI User Group, presenting at user groups locally and virtually, and creating YouTube videos for MitchellSQL Bradley Schacht is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Fabric product team based in Jacksonville, FL. Bradley is a former consultant, trainer, and has authored 7 other SQL Server, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric books. As a member of the Microsoft Fabric product team, Bradley works directly with customers to solve some of their most complex data problems, helps shape the future of Microsoft Fabric, and builds content to educate the community about the platform's capabilities. Bradley has presented at international data conferences including the Microsoft Fabric Conference, SQL Bits, and PASS Summit, as well as dozens of community events like SQL Saturdays, Code Camps, and user groups across the country. He is passionate about making complex topics easy to understand.
Mitchell is very active in the community: Running the local Power BI User Group, presenting at user groups locally and virtually, and creating YouTube videos for MitchellSQL Bradley Schacht is a Principal Program Manager on the Microsoft Fabric product team based in Jacksonville, FL. Bradley is a former consultant, trainer, and has authored 7 other SQL Server, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric books. As a member of the Microsoft Fabric product team, Bradley works directly with customers to solve some of their most complex data problems, helps shape the future of Microsoft Fabric, and builds content to educate the community about the platform's capabilities. Bradley has presented at international data conferences including the Microsoft Fabric Conference, SQL Bits, and PASS Summit, as well as dozens of community events like SQL Saturdays, Code Camps, and user groups across the country. He is passionate about making complex topics easy to understand.
Content
Table of Contents
Data Literacy with Power BI
Getting Started - Importing Data Options
Data Transformation Strategies
Building the Data Model
Leveraging DAX to build Calculated Columns, Measures and Tables
Visualizing Data
Digital Storytelling with Power BI
Using a Cloud Deployment with the Power BI Service
Microsoft Fabric for the Analyst
Copilot in Power BI
Data Literacy with Power BI
Getting Started - Importing Data Options
Data Transformation Strategies
Building the Data Model
Leveraging DAX to build Calculated Columns, Measures and Tables
Visualizing Data
Digital Storytelling with Power BI
Using a Cloud Deployment with the Power BI Service
Microsoft Fabric for the Analyst
Copilot in Power BI