Difference Between Transform and Add Column in Power Query

Transform and Add Column serve different purposes when modifying data. 1. Transform (Modifies Existing Column) Changes the values in an existing column without creating a new one. Example: Replacing values, changing data types, applying calculations (e.g., multiplying values). Example: If you have a column named Price, applying Transform -> Multiply by 1.1 updates the same column with increased prices. 2. Add Column (Creates a New Column) Generates a new column while keeping the original column unchanged. Example: Adding calculated values, conditional columns, or extracting parts of text. Example: If you want to add a Discounted Price column (10% off), you use Add Column -> Custom Column instead of modifying Price directly. Key Difference Use "Transform" when you want to change existing data. Use "Add Column" when you need new calculated values alongside existing data. If you could only use ONE—Transform or Add Column—for your next Power BI project, which one would it be?

Apr 1, 2025 - 17:16

Transform and Add Column serve different purposes when modifying data.

Changes the values in an existing column without creating a new one.
Example: Replacing values, changing data types, applying calculations (e.g., multiplying values).
Example: If you have a column named Price, applying Transform -> Multiply by 1.1 updates the same column with increased prices.

Generates a new column while keeping the original column unchanged.
Example: Adding calculated values, conditional columns, or extracting parts of text.
Example: If you want to add a Discounted Price column (10% off), you use Add Column -> Custom Column instead of modifying Price directly.

Use "Transform" when you want to change existing data.
Use "Add Column" when you need new calculated values alongside existing data.

If you could only use ONE—Transform or Add Column—for your next Power BI project, which one would it be?