Best Microsoft Power BI books

Best Microsoft Power BI books

Introduction

Users of the robust business intelligence tool Power BI may analyze and visualize data from numerous sources. The demand for qualified Power BI professionals is rising quickly as more and more businesses rely on data-driven decision making. 

In this article, we will take a closer look at the best Microsoft Power BI books available on Amazon in 2024.

1. Mastering Power BI by Brett Powell

Mastering Power BI is a thorough manual for Power BI that covers everything from advanced visualization methods to data preparation. Brett Powell, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and the founder of Frontline Analytics, a consulting company that specializes in Power BI and other data visualization tools, is the author of the book.

Both new and experienced Power BI users will benefit from this book. To assist readers comprehend the capabilities of the program better, it offers step-by-step lessons and actual-world examples. In order to assist readers streamline their workflows and produce powerful data visualizations, the book also includes Power BI best practices, tips, and techniques.

2. Power BI Cookbook by Brett Powell

Another great tool for Power BI users is the Power BI Cookbook. And the book is written by the same author as “Mastering Power BI” and is intended to assist readers in utilizing Power BI to address typical data analysis and visualization issues.

More than 200 recipes in the book address a variety of subjects, such as data preparation, modeling, and visualization. And for readers’ convenience, each recipe comes with step-by-step directions and screenshots. Besides, for Power BI users who wish to advance their knowledge and produce more intricate and sophisticated data visualizations, the book is a great resource.

3. Applied Microsoft Power BI (3rd Edition) by Teo Lachev

The all-inclusive manual Applied Microsoft Power BI for Power BI covers everything from data preparation to cutting-edge visualization methods. Teo Lachev, a Microsoft Data Platform MVP and the founder of Prologika, a consulting company that specializes in Power BI and other data visualization tools, is the author of the book.

Both new and experienced Power BI users will benefit from this book. To assist readers comprehend the capabilities of the program better, it offers step-by-step lessons and actual-world examples. In order to assist readers streamline their workflows and produce powerful data visualizations, the book also includes Power BI best practices, tips, and techniques.

4. The Absolute Guide to Dashboarding and Reporting with Power BI by Kasper de Jonge

The Absolute Guide to Dashboarding and Reporting with Power BI is an instructional manual for using Power BI to build dashboards and reports.

Developing innovations for Power BI desktop, Power BI, Power Pivot, and other Analysis Services products including the Tabular model and Multidimensional cubes, Kasper de Jonge has worked as a Principal Program Manager on the Power BI team at Microsoft.

The book contains detailed tutorials and practical examples to assist users in utilizing Power BI to produce efficient dashboards and reports. It also is advice on how to design dashboards and reports that are both aesthetically pleasing and educational.

5. Microsoft Power BI Dashboards Step by Step by Errin O’Connor

Microsoft Power BI Dashboards Step by Step is written by Errin O’Connor who is the Founder and Chief Architect for EPC Group and the author of four Microsoft Press books covering Power BI, SharePoint and Office 365.

The book enables you to each yourself on how to create world-class Power BI business analysis dashboards that bring data to life for better decision-making.

6. Data Analysis with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel by Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari

The thorough manual Data Analysis with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel explains how to analyze data using these two tools. The book’s authors are Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari. Both are the co-founders of the business intelligence and data modeling consulting firm SQLBI and MVPs of the Microsoft Data Platform.

7. Microsoft Power BI for Dummies by Jack A. Hyman

The user-friendly manual Microsoft Power BI for Dummies explains how to use Power BI. Ken Withee, a SharePoint consultant and Microsoft Certified Trainer, is the author of the book.

The fundamentals of Power BI, including data preparation, data modeling, and report development, are covered in the book. Best practices for designing dashboards and data visualizations are also covered.

8. Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel by Alberto Ferrari and Marco Russo

Analyzing Data with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel is another comprehensive guide to data analysis using Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel. The writers of “Data Analysis with Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel” also wrote this book, which addresses related subjects.

To assist readers understand how to utilize Power BI and Power Pivot for Excel successfully, the book provides step-by-step instructions and actual examples from the real world. Advanced subjects including data modeling, DAX formulae, and temporal intelligence are also covered.

9. Power BI Quick Start Guide by Devin Knight, Mitchell Pearson, and Manuel Quintana

The Power BI Quick Start Guide is a user-friendly manual for Power BI. Devin Knight and Mitchell Pearson, two Microsoft MVPs, are part of the writing team for the book.

The fundamentals of Power BI, including data preparation, modeling, and report development, are covered in the book. Best practices for designing dashboards and data visualizations are also covered. 

10. Pro Power BI Desktop by Adam Aspin

Pro Power BI Desktop is a thorough manual for utilizing Power BI Desktop to create complex data models and reports. Adam Aspin, a Microsoft Certified Trainer and consultant who specializes in BI and data visualization, is the author of the book.

Advanced subjects like data modeling, DAX formulae, and customized visualizations are covered in the book. Best practices for designing dashboards and data visualizations are also covered. 

11. The Definitive Guide to DAX

 The definitive guide to DAX is the most complete guide to Microsoft’s DAX language for business intelligence, data modeling, and analytics.

Expert Microsoft BI consultants Marco Russo and Alberto Ferrari help you master everything from table functions through advanced code and model optimization

 Microsoft Power BI Certifications

Microsoft offers role-based certifications to suit your career goals:

  1. PL-300: Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Associate:
    • Ideal for professionals focusing on data analysis and visualization.
    • Skills Measured:
      • Data preparation
      • Data modeling
      • Data visualization
      • Report creation and management
    • Prerequisite: Familiarity with Power BI and basic data concepts.
  2. Microsoft Certified: Data Engineer or Solution Architect Certifications:
    • Advanced certifications incorporating Power BI into larger data ecosystems.

 Power BI Training Resources

Microsoft offers various resources to prepare for certification:

  1. Official Learning Paths:
    • Access free, self-paced tutorials on the Microsoft Learn platform.
    • Topics cover Power BI fundamentals, DAX, and advanced features.
  2. Instructor-Led Training:
    • Enroll in official Microsoft training programs with certified instructors for a hands-on experience.
  3. Practice Exams:
    • Use official and third-party practice tests to gauge your readiness.
  4. Community and Forums:
    • Join the Power BI Community for insights, tips, and troubleshooting