There are many careers that require Excel skills and this is often to advanced level. Many people in these careers are now becoming interested in Power BI. This is a realtively new program from Microsoft that complements the functionality of Excel. We are going to analyse the differences between Power BI and Excel. However, we will also review how the two programs can integrate compliment each other really well.

The Differences between Microsoft Excel and Power BI

Both Excel and Power BI can be used for data analysis, visualisations of data and the manipulation of larger datasets. However, the primary aim of Excel is quite diverse, Microsoft Excel provides lots of ways to analyse, manipulate and present your data. Whereas, Power BI is a business intelligence tool that aims to create great visualisations, summaries and dashboard.

Size of Data

If you are using very large amounts of data, you may find Excel will have limited functionality once it goes beyond its memory limit. This is not the case for Power BI which can compress data in order to continue working with the larger data sets.

Cloud vs Desktop

Another big difference is that excel can often be on your desktop, and the files are saved in local directories. This is not always the case however.  Power BI has been released relatively recently, and it is a cloud based system that encourages greater team and organisational collaboration.

Visualisations

Additionally, in terms of visualisation an advanced Excel user can create interesting charts and bespoke customised charts. However, the interactive dashboard look with real-time sophisticated charts is a feature of Power BI.

How can I use Microsoft Excel and Power BI?

Excel and Power BI compliment each other and Microsoft has designed the Apps to integrate. Power BI allows you to export Power BI data in order to do further analysis in Excel. This enables users to take the data and use formulas and Pivot Tables in order to carry out extra analysis.

There are a lot of similar functions in both programs. The Power Query in both  Excel and Power BI, there is also Power Pivot in the two programs. These are both very popular functions in the programs. The DAX function in Power BI uses calculations that you can use in Excel. These similarities mean that Power BI trainers will always recommend that learners attain advanced excel skills before commencing with Power BI.

Learning how to use Power BI

If you are considering learning power BI, please ensure you have these skills or you take the Advanced Excel Course that we offer. Power BI  encourages further integration with Excel in order to import Excel files. This enables you to carry out analysis in Excel to drill deeper into Power BI’s data.

You can find out more about the our accredited courses In Excel and Power BI. You will also notice that there is a recommendation from our trainers  that learners should have advanced Excel skills prior to taking Power BI training. Our Excel and Power BI Course offers the opportunity to gain Excel and continue to Power BI training modules.

Business Intelligence is something that many technology companies are trying to develop.  Microsoft Power BI is the very popular BI tool being offered by Microsoft. Given the prominence of BI systems it is advisable to study Power BI.