Business users often extend the outputs of existing reports and data models with additional columns to help them analyze and present data. The logic of these columns is generally implemented through Excel formulas or as calculated DAX columns. A superior solution, particularly if the logic cannot quickly be migrated to a data warehouse or IT resource, is to create the columns via the Query Editor and M language.

Developing custom columns can also significantly enhance the ease-of-use and analytical power of data models and the visualizations they support. In the examples of this recipe, columns are created to simplify the analysis of a customer dimension via existing columns and to apply a custom naming format.