Which measure type in Power BI aggregates data across entire datasets?

In Power BI, a measure is a calculation used to aggregate data across entire datasets. Measures are created using Data Analysis Expressions (DAX), and they typically perform calculations on values in your data model, such as sums, averages, counts, and other aggregations. This allows them to dynamically respond to the context they are used in, meaning they can adjust their calculations based on filters or slicers applied in reports.

When a measure is constructed, it evaluates and returns a single value based on the underlying data, allowing for flexible and powerful analytical capabilities. As the context changes—for instance, if different geographic regions or time periods are selected—the measure recalculates accordingly, providing relevant and context-aware insights.

In contrast, the other types mentioned do not perform the same aggregation across datasets. A column holds specific data points of a single attribute and does not aggregate; a calculated column operates at the row level, creating derived data for each row rather than aggregating data across the entire dataset. A table represents a collection of data but does not inherently perform calculations or aggregations. Thus, the measure is distinctly positioned in Power BI for summarizing and reporting data across the whole dataset.