Performance of semantic models and DAX


Improving the performance of semantic models and reports requires specific skills and tools. This page includes links to tools and materials that can help you optimize DAX formulas and semantic models.

Tools

  • DAX Studio: Write, execute, and analyze performance of DAX queries.
  • DAX Optimizer: Enhance the performance of semantic models in Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, and Analysis Services.
  • VertiPaq Analyzer: Analyze VertiPaq storage structures for a data model in Power BI and Analysis Services Tabular.
  • SQL Server Profiler: Create and manage traces for SQL Server and Analysis Services.

Courses

  • Optimizing DAX Video Course: With almost 40 hours of lectures, this video course explains how to collect and interpret performance metrics to optimize DAX expressions. It includes a PDF version of the “Optimizing DAX” book.

Books

Videos

  • Optimizing DAX in Power BI – Tools and techniques: Overview of the techniques and the tools (free and commercial) available to optimize the performance of DAX expressions in Power BI models (SQLBI+ subscription).
  • My Power BI report is slow – What should I do?: This session will guide you in analyzing the possible reasons for a slow BI report. Using Power BI Performance Analyzer and DAX Studio, you will determine whether you should change the report layout or if there is something in DAX formulas or the data model is responsible for the slow response.

Additional SQLBI resources