Learn How to Write DAX Queries in DAX Studio Using Query Builder
Table of Contents
Introduction
DAX Studio is one of the most valuable tools for Power BI users who want to understand, test, and optimize their DAX expressions. It allows you to connect directly to your Power BI model and write DAX queries in a clean, dedicated environment. Whether you’re validating table results, checking filter behavior, or learning how DAX works behind the visuals, DAX Studio makes query writing simple and efficient. If you’re new to DAX Studio, you can start with a step-by-step installation guide here.
In this guide, you will learn how to connect DAX Studio to Power BI, explore your model, and write your first DAX queries using both manual code and the built-in Query Builder, with special focus on understanding the importance of the EVALUATE statement, the foundation of every DAX query. Along the way, we’ll also cover essential DAX logical functions like IF, AND, and OR, which you can explore in detail here.
Connecting DAX studio with Power BI
DAX Studio can be connected with Power BI using 2 methods:
Launching It Directly from Your System
To launch DAX Studio directly from your system:
- Open your Power BI desktop (.pbix) file.
- Click on the DAX Studio shortcut on the desktop.
A pop-up menu appears.
3. Select the check box to the left of the PBI/SSDT model.
4. Select the Power BI file from the drop-down.
5. Click connect
Launching from Power BI Desktop
To launch DAX Studio from Power BI Desktop:
- Open your Power BI (.pbix) file.
- Click on External tools in the top ribbon.
- Click on DAX Studio.
Click DAX Studio to launch it. It will automatically connect to your open Power BI model.
Writing Queries in DAX Studio
EVALUATE statement:
EVALUATE is a DAX statement containing a table expression and is needed to execute a query. A query can also have multiple EVALUATE statements, but the key point here is that it requires a keyword.
DAX
EVALUATE
( TableName )
A table expression in DAX can be as simple as the name of an existing table in your data model. For example, writing EVALUATE Customers will return the entire Customers table. A table expression can also be created using DAX functions that return tables, such as FILTER or SUMMARIZECOLUMNS, which generate a new table based on specific conditions or grouping.
Query Builder:
If you are learning DAX, or if you want to see how a query is created, Query Builder is part of DAX Studio. It provides a graphical user interface that makes it easier to build queries. Let’s use a query builder to get the total sales amount by product category.
To use Query Builder, first open DAX Studio and connect it to your Power BI model.
- Click on the Home Tab in the Ribbon.
- Click on Query Builder in the View Section.
3. Drag and drop Category Column from Products to Columns/Measures area.
4. Drag and drop Total Sales Var from theAll Measures to the Columns/Measures area.
If you want to add any filter, you can do so in the filter area.
5. Press the Run Query button.
Notice the output in the Results area.
Notice the automatic code generated in the Query Pane.
How EVALUATE Is Working in This Query
In the screenshot above, the query begins with:
- EVALUATE is required to run a DAX query in DAX Studio.
- It tells DAX Studio toreturn the table expression written after it.
- In this example, the table expression is created using SUMMARIZECOLUMNS().
- SUMMARIZECOLUMNS()builds a summarized table grouped by Category and calculates Total Sales Var.
- EVALUATE takes that summarized table and displays it in the Results pane.
- Without EVALUATE, the query would not execute and no results would appear.
- The ORDER BYstatement then sorts the returned table in ascending order by Category.
Conclusion
DAX Studio is more than a connection tool for Microsoft Power BI, it is a dedicated environment for writing, testing, and understanding DAX queries.
In this guide, you learned how to connect DAX Studio, use Query Builder, and most importantly, understand the role of the EVALUATE statement, which is required to return and display table results in every DAX query.
With DAX Studio, you can validate measures, test filter behavior, and check whether relationships are working correctly by running queries and analyzing the results directly. This hands-on approach helps you build confidence in DAX and improve your overall Power BI development workflow.
FAQs
Query Builder is a drag-and-drop interface that generates DAX queries automatically. It’s perfect for beginners.
No. DAX Studio only reads your model. It cannot modify or delete your data.
Further Learning and Resources
For more detailed learning and advanced Power BI training, go to
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Training Courses – Practical Learning for Modern Work
- Power BI Advanced Training Course.
- Power BI Report Design
- Power BI Essentials
- Power BI DAX Essentials
- Power BI Service Course
We offer comprehensive courses across major regions, including:
