Created by: Paul Pitcher
Creation Date: Aug 16, 2025
Updated Date: Oct 14, 2025
Implicit measure vs explicit measure
Good article
See also (Sigma Letter)
implicit measures = Are automatically generated based on the fields you drag and drop into a visualization that requires an aggregation (e.g., sum, average). Power BI automatically performs the aggregation based on the data type of the field. The visualization’s requirements determine the aggregation. Implicit measures are convenient for simple scenarios when you want to quickly create visualizations without manually defining measures. Implicit measures can’t be reused as the aggregations are specific to the visualization where the field is used.
Editable: You can only change the aggregation method. For example: changing from SUM to AVG using the context menu.
Performance: users have less direct control over the optimization of calculations.
Tip: you can’t reference Implicit measures in any of your calculations
Explicit vs Implicit Measures in Power BI - Comparison, Differences
Q: how do I tell if I am using an Implicit measure or explicit measure?
A: Red box = (calculator icon) these are explicit DAX Measures.
A: Yellow box = (Sigma icon) these are implicit DAX Measures.
Q: So I'm told to create an explicit measure I have to use a DAX formula, but what if I use a "New Measure" or a "quick Measure".
A: I think that these actually are "DAX" formulas (also called DAX Measures). I wish that Power BI would just call them "New DAX Measure" and "quick DAX Measure".
Q: How do I see the DAX code behind an implicit measure?
A: Sep 1, 2025 from what I can tell there is no easy way to see this code. You have to