Best Power BI Books in 2024

Best Power BI Books of 2024

This exhaustive list contains the best Power BI books for beginners and some of the most popular ones for seasoned data analytics folks too.

1. The Definitive Guide to DAX: Business Intelligence with Microsoft Excel, SQL Server Analysis Services, and Power BI-Marco Russo, 2015

"The Definitive Guide to DAX: Business Intelligence with Microsoft Excel, SQL Server Analysis Services, and Power BI" by Marco Russo, published in 2015, is an authoritative reference book for DAX learners within the Microsoft environment. This thorough textbook provides theoretical and practical tools for business intelligence and data analytics support tasks using DAX. The book will help you learn the basics, such as syntax, functioning, and features. 

2. Microsoft Power BI Dasrds Stepfunction by Errin O'Connor, 2018

This is the next popular Power BI book. "Microsoft Power BI Dashboards Step by Step" by Errin O'Connor, published in 2018, is a well-rounded book for readers to enjoy the usage of Power BI in making live dashboards. This book is written as a practical guide, in a step-by-step manner, with images and illustrations on how to construct, set up, and share compelling dashboards. End users are taught how to create connections to data sources, design visually attractive data visualizations, add interactivity, and publish their dashboards for sharing across desktop devices, laptops or smartphones, and other convenient media. 

The book takes a methodical approach and provides a step-by-step guide to Power BI basics for users of all levels, whether beginners or experts, who want to make the most of their visualizations.

3. Learn Power BI: A Beginner's Guide to Developing Interactive Business Intelligence Solutions Using Microsoft Power BI - Greg Deckler, 2019

"Learn Power BI: A Beginner's Guide to Developing Interactive Business Intelligence Solutions Using Microsoft Power BI" by Greg Deckler, published in 2019, is among the best Power BI books for beginners. This guide builds a foundation for working with Power BI by addressing topics like connecting to data sources and building data models, constructing interactive visualization elements, and sharing insights. 

Power BI is one such tool in high demand due to its ability to help business analysts succeed. The Power BI tutorial helps readers understand the concepts, see examples, and practice hands-on exercises. This book is put together with a simplified approach and step-by-step guide, which makes it the best book to learn Power BI to the maximum and discover its supreme data analysis and visualization capabilities.

4. Introducing Microsoft Power BI - Marco Russo, 2016

This is the next popular Power BI book. "Introducing Microsoft Power BI" by Marco Russo, published in 2016, presents a detailed analysis of a business analytics tool that is definitely a powerful feature of Microsoft. This book is compact and gives information on what Power BI is like. It is the best book for learning Power BI. It highlights some of the tools that it brings with it, such as dataset connectivity, data modeling, visualization, and working in groups. 

Readers gain the basic skills to use Power BI to convert datasets into analytical reports and dashboards. This book uses feasible cases to convert the necessary knowledge and skills for Power BI analysis so that users can take advantage of all Power BI has to offer. It can serve as an introduction for beginners that is of the utmost significance for those users who want to obtain information about what is possible with MS Power BI.

5. Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel - Marco Russo, 2017

"Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel" by Marco Russo, published in 2017, is a comprehensive guide to how Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel can be used together to create competent data explorations and visualizations. The book equips the learner with methods and strategies for working and linking the datasets from different sources using Power BI and Power Pivot Excel tool features. The readers learn about the complexities of data modeling and the design principles of dashboards. Through illustrated processes and practical applications, this book teaches the fundamentals of Power BI and Power Pivot tools for data analysis.

6. Mastering Microsoft Power BI: Expert Techniques to Create Interactive Insights for Effective Data Analytics and Business Intelligence - Greg Deckler, 2022

This is the next popular Power BI book. "Mastering Microsoft Power BI: Expert Techniques to Create Interactive Insights for Effective Data Analytics and Business Intelligence" by Greg Deckler, released in 2022, is an advanced guide for experienced users who want to boost their advanced skills in Power BI. It starts by introducing readers to the methods used to develop analytical data applications that engage and inform people. 

While working with Power BI projects, learners have learned advanced data modeling techniques, DAX formulas, and visualization excellence. This all-in-one e-book aims to ensure that readers find the most appropriate ways to utilize Power BI for making data-driven decisions and lifting their business intelligence to the next level by addressing practical aspects and real-world cases in detail.

7. Learning Microsoft Power BI - Jeremey Arnold, 2022

"Learning Microsoft Power BI" by Jeremey Arnold, released in 2022, is a must-read for beginners who wish to learn and master the fundamentals of Microsoft Power BI. The scope of this book includes all the necessary information, accompanied by illustrations and practical guidelines, to help readers comprehend Power BI better. From tools like linking data sources and data model creation, which familiarize readers with Power BI for data analysis and reporting purposes, to visualization designs and sharing the descriptive statistics, the readers obtain the fundamental knowledge in using Power BI for data analysis and report tasks.

8. Mastering Power BI: Build Business Intelligence Applications Powered with DAX Calculations, Insightful Visualizations, Advanced BI Techniques, and Loads of Data Sources (English Edition) - Chandraish Sinha, 2021

"Mastering Power BI: Build Business Intelligence Applications Powered with DAX Calculations, Insightful Visualizations, Advanced BI Techniques, and Loads of Data Sources (English Edition)" by Chandraish Sinha, published in 2021, is an authoritative guide designed to efficiently help users to learn how to use Microsoft Power BI. 

The book extends the basic DAX expressions, which helps in visualizations and creates an engaging look. Using real-world examples and step-by-step procedures, the book educates its readers on using effective Power BI tools to create advanced business intelligence applications that enable data-driven practice and accurate decision-making.

9. Mastering Microsoft Power BI: Expert Techniques for Effective Data Analytics and Business Intelligence - Brett Powell, 2018

"Mastering Microsoft Power BI: Expert Techniques for Effective Data Analytics and Business Intelligence" by Brett Powell, published in 2018, is a complete guide on what someone with an advanced level of knowledge can do to enhance their skills in Microsoft Power BI. This book discusses professional tips and leading procedures for dealing with Power BI to the maximum, as well as data analytics and business intelligence. 

Readers acquire advanced data modeling concepts, DAX formulas, visualization design rules, and data integration strategies that can be used to create amazing dashboards and reports rich with insight. This book is an invaluable resource, including practical examples, real-world cases, and insider tips.

10. Microsoft Power BI Cookbook: Gain Expertise in Power BI with Over 90 Hands-on Recipes, Tips, and Use Cases - Greg Deckler, 2021

"Microsoft Power BI Cookbook: Gain Expertise in Power BI with Over 90 Hands-on Recipes, Tips, and Use Cases" by Greg Deckler, published in 2021, presents ideas and practical approaches for Microsoft Power BI users to tackle the different challenges they may face. It is a cookbook-style design, and it contains over 90 practical recipes. This range of tasks spans from data preprocessing to modeling, visual design, DAX formulas, and advanced analytics techniques. Every recipe consists of an instruction manual, practical solutions, and helpful hints applicable to real-life projects so that users can easily adopt and solve the most common problems in Power BI.

11. Microsoft Power BI For Dummies - Jack A. Hyman, 2021

This is a Power BI books for beginners. "Microsoft Power BI For Dummies" by Jack A. Hyman, published in 2021, is a pragmatic and easy-to-understand book that gives beginners a foundation on Power BI's basics. This literature will allow readers to read all the clear explanations and step-by-step guidelines necessary to understand Power BI's features, functionalities, and capabilities. 

By sharing simple examples such as getting data from various sources, visualization building, and development of dashboards, as well as sharing their analytical and reporting outcomes, readers learn how to best use Power BI for their data analysis and reporting processes. The book represents an excellent introduction to Power BI for people just beginning to learn about data analytics when they want to delve deep into the technicalities.

12. Power BI: Create and Learn - Roger F Silva, 2018

"Power BI: Create and Learn" by Roger F Silva, published in 2018, is a detailed handbook intended to teach Power BI users how to work with this data visualization and analysis tool. This text is considered a valuable asset—it has a step-by-step design and exercises that will help the reader get things done and advance in creating engaging reports through Power BI.

Readers will know how to connect with the data sources, transform raw data into useful data, and create aesthetic dashboards to present the key findings attractively.

13. Beginning DAX with Power BI: The SQL Pro’s Guide to Better Business Intelligence - Philip Seamark, 2018

"Beginning DAX with Power BI: The SQL Pro’s Guide to Better Business Intelligence" by Philip Seamark, published in 2018, presents a highly exhaustive theory that all individuals can use to understand and learn DAX, part of Power BI fully. The book is specifically crafted for SQL professionals who want to switch to Power BI and builds a practical framework for DAX to speed up their BI experience. 

When readers become familiar with DAX concepts, syntax, and functions, they should be prepared for tasks such as creating useful calculations, manipulating data models, and uncovering useful insights for making sound decisions. The book offers clear explanations and real-world examples and is an inevitable guide for SQL professionals who intend to excel in Power BI.

14. Learn Power BI: A Comprehensive, Step-by-step Guide for Beginners to Learn Real-world Business Intelligence - Greg Deckler, 2022

This is another popular Power BI book. "Learn Power BI: A Comprehensive, Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners to Learn Real-world Business Intelligence" by Greg Deckler, released in 2022, is an invaluable resource for beginners in Power BI. With this book, readers can follow a step-by-step approach to learning Power BI, starting from the basics and moving on to real-life business intelligence problems. 

Readers will learn ways to connect to data sources, transform the raw data into interpretable insights, and generate engaging reports and dashboards. Through clear demonstrations, tutorials, and specialized advice, this book imparts essential skills and is an early step towards mastering Power BI.

15. Power BI for the Excel Analyst: The Essential Guide to Starting Your Power BI Journey - Wyn Hopkins, 2022

"Power BI for the Excel Analyst: The Essential Guide to Starting Your Power BI Journey" by Wyn Hopkins, released in 2022, is a must-have guide that follows a step-by-step approach that will give users looking to transition to Microsoft Power BI. The book delivers a concise overview of the key understanding and know-how required for Excel experts to start their Power BI journey. Readers will learn how to use the skills they already have in Excel and will learn to build connections to data sources, create data models, and design interactive reports using Power BI. 

The author's expertise brings to life the power of using Power BI for data analysis and reporting. The book provides clear explanations, practical examples, and simple step-by-step instructions that enable analysts to use Excel competently.

16. Expert Data Modeling with Power BI: Get the Best Out of Power BI by Building Optimized Data Models for Reporting and Business Needs - Soheil Bakhshi, 2021

Expert Data Modeling with Power BI: Get the Best Out of Power BI by Building Optimized Data Models for Reporting and Business Needs" by Soheil Bakhshi, published in 2021, is an advanced guide focused on organizing optimal datasets in Power BI. This book compiles the founders' expertise in this text and techniques for efficiently developing data models catering to reporting and business requirements.

17. Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide: Bring Your Data to Life Through Data Modeling, Visualization, Digital Storytelling, and More, 2nd Edition - Devin Knight, 2020

Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide: Bring Your Data to Life Through Data Modeling, Visualization, Digital Storytelling, and More, 2nd Edition" by Devin Knight, released in 2020, offers a comprehensive introduction to Power BI. The revised version contains data modeling, visualization, and training readers to conquer the power of Power BI at the best time.

18. Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide - Devin Knight, 2018

Microsoft Power BI Quick Start Guide, by Devin Knight, originally published in 2018, is an introductory guide to Microsoft Power BI. This book provides users with the knowledge and skills required to start with Power BI and covers data modeling, visualization, and other necessary elements.

19. Power BI: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners in Understanding Power BI - MIKE. MORRIS, 2019

This is another popular Power BI book. Power BI: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide for Beginners in Understanding Power BI" by Mike Morris, released in 2019, relates to beginners. It serves as a handbook for those who want to learn with Microsoft Power BI for the first time. The book is designed to provide steps on how to use Power BI.

20. Power BI - Business Intelligence Clinic (Color Version): Create and Learn - Roger F Silva, 2018

This is another popular Power BI book. Power BI - Business Intelligence Clinic (Color Version): Create and Learn" by Roger F Silva, published in 2018, is a step-by-step tutorial that provides the knowledge as well as the ability to use Power BI by offering practical exercises. This book helps readers understand various Power BI techniques that will help them in real-life situations.

Preparation Tips for Power BI

To learn Power BI effectively, you should first understand what you need to do with the tool and your specific goals and objectives.

• Understand the fundamental tools and techniques of data analysis and the basic aspects of Microsoft Excel, as the Power BI application is based on these.
• Enroll in online courses, training videos, and learn the official documentation provided by Microsoft.
• Practice building reports and visualizations using sample datasets to learn efficiently.
• Participate in forum discussions and check out the community.

• Lastly, join user groups or try out workshops by enhancing your network, communicating with other Power BI users and seeking advice from their experiences.

Master Power BI Today

With various top-notch Power BI functionalities, you can extract data-based insights that facilitate the company's success. With practice, constant learning, dynamic exposure to Data Analysis, and these best Power BI books, you can master Power BI and make your organization more effective and successful in the digital age.

You should also enroll in the Power BI Certification Training Online Course by Simplilearn, learn to experiment, refine, prepare, and present data easily, and ultimately win your analytics game. Get started!

FAQs

1. Can I learn Power BI by myself?

Yes, Power BI can be learned independently through books, online courses, and practice.

2. Is Power BI better than Excel?

Power BI offers advanced data analysis and visualization capabilities beyond Excel.

3. Are Power BI books suitable for beginners?

Yes, many Power BI books cater to beginners with step-by-step instructions and examples.

4. Do Power BI books require technical knowledge?

Some technical knowledge may be helpful, but many Power BI books cater to beginners.

5. Can Power BI books help me advance in my career? 

Mastering Power BI can significantly advance your career by enhancing data analysis skills and boosting productivity.