After cleaning your data in Power Query and building your Data Model, you are ready to create your Power BI Dashboard.
This step focuses on presenting insights clearly using charts, tables, and KPIs.
1. Start in Report View
In Power BI, click the Report icon (the chart symbol).
This is where you will design your dashboard.
2. Choose the Right Visuals for Your Data
Each chart type has a purpose:
Visual | When to Use |
Card / KPI | Show a single key number (Total Sales, Total Employees) |
Bar / Column Chart | Compare values (Departments, Months, Categories) |
Line Chart | Show trends over time |
Pie / Donut Chart | Show percentage contribution |
Table / Matrix | Show detailed data |
Avoid using too many visuals on one page.
3. Add Data to Visuals
Drag fields from the Fields panel into the visual:
Use Dimensions (like Department, Category, Month) for X-axis / Rows / Filters
Use Measures (like Total Sales, Total Hours, Total Cost) for Values
Tip:
If a visual does not look correct, check whether you used a measure instead of a column.
4. Make Your Dashboard Easy to Read
Good dashboards are:
Clean
Simple
Low-clutter
Follow these tips:
Use one color theme
Use only 5–8 visuals per page
Always include a title for each visual
Arrange visuals in neat alignment
If a dashboard looks crowded, remove visuals that don’t add meaning.
5. Add Slicers (Filters) for Interaction
Slicers help users explore the data.
Useful slicers include:
Date
Department
Category
Region
Project / Cost Center
Place slicers either:
On the left side
Or at the top of the report
This makes the dashboard interactive and easy to analyze.
6. Review Your Numbers
Before finalizing, check:
Totals match expectations
Bar/line charts display the correct trends
Slicers filter all visuals consistently
If something looks off:
Recheck your measure
Recheck your relationship
Never skip validation.
7. Layout and Presentation
Make your report look professional by:
Aligning visuals evenly
Using consistent font sizes
Leaving space between visuals
Naming the report page clearly
Your dashboard should tell a clear story, not just show data.
8. Expected Output at This Stage
Your report should now include:
KPIs or key summary values
Two or three comparison charts
Time trend analysis (if applicable)
A slicer panel for user control
This completes the Dashboard Building Stage.
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