Introduction
Filter context describes the filters that are applied during the evaluation of a measure or measure expression.
To introduce this important concept, watch the following video to learn about filter context.
Filters can be applied directly to columns, like a filter on the Fiscal Year column in the Date table for the value FY2020. Additionally, filters can be applied indirectly, which happens when model relationships propagate filters to other tables. For example, the Sales table receives a filter through its relationship with the Date table, filtering the Sales table rows to return rows with an OrderDateKey column value in FY2020.
It's important to understand that calculated tables and calculated columns aren't evaluated within filter context. Calculated columns are evaluated in row context, though the formula can transition the row context to filter context, if it needs to summarize model data.
Note
Many units in this module present inline activities to follow along and create calculations. These activities are optional. If you want to complete the activities, you can download the Power BI Desktop file by using the links provided in the units.
At the end of this module, you have the opportunity to complete an exercise in a virtual machine to apply the lessons on how to create calculated tables, calculated columns, and simple measures using DAX.