Explore time-based data

  • 5 minutes

Analyzing time-based data with Power BI is a simple process. The modeling tools in Power BI Desktop automatically generate fields that let you drill down through time periods.

Tasks in this unit include: Conceptual graphic of the tasks in this module.

When you create a table visualization in your report by using a date field, Power BI Desktop automatically includes breakdowns by time period. For example, the single date field in the Date table was automatically separated into Year, Quarter, Month, and Day by Power BI.

Conceptual diagram of years expanded to quarters, months, and days.

Visuals display data at the year level by default, but you can change that by turning on Drill Down in the top, right-hand corner of the visual.

Screenshot of the "Click to turn on Drill Down" button.

When you select the bars or lines in your chart, the system will drill down to the next level of time hierarchy, for example, from years to quarters. You can continue to drill down until you reach the most granular level of the hierarchy: days. To move back up through the time hierarchy, select Drill Up in the top, left-hand corner of the visual.

Screenshot of the "Drill Up" button.

You can also drill down through all the data that is shown on the visual instead of through one selected period. To do so, use the Go to the next level in the hierarchy double-arrow icon.

Screenshot of the "Go to the next level in the hierarchy" button.

As long as your model has a date field, Power BI will automatically generate different views for different time hierarchies.