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How to learn M Query

M Query is the formula language for Power Query in Excel and Power BI, designed for data transformation and ETL. The document outlines steps to learn M Query, including where to write and test it, basic syntax, working with tables, SQL-like operations, common transformations, performance optimization, and real-world applications. It encourages practice and exploration of advanced M Query concepts, providing resources for further learning.

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sobaan.apace
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10 views

How to learn M Query

M Query is the formula language for Power Query in Excel and Power BI, designed for data transformation and ETL. The document outlines steps to learn M Query, including where to write and test it, basic syntax, working with tables, SQL-like operations, common transformations, performance optimization, and real-world applications. It encourages practice and exploration of advanced M Query concepts, providing resources for further learning.

Uploaded by

sobaan.apace
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Learn M Query (Power Query Formula Language)

M Query is the language behind Power Query in Excel & Power BI. Since you already work
with SQL, DAX, and automation, you can quickly learn M Query for data transformation
and ETL.

Step 1: Where to Write & Test M Query

Power BI → Transform Data (Power Query Editor) → Advanced Editor


Excel → Get & Transform (Power Query) → Advanced Editor
Online Playground → M Query Playground

Best Way to Learn → Use the UI (Power Query Editor) first, then check the M code in
Advanced Editor.

Step 2: Learn M Query Basics

M is case-sensitive and functional (not procedural like VBA).

Basic Syntax

let

x = 10,

y = 20,

result = x + y

in

result

let → Defines variables


in → Returns the final result

Defining Functions

let

AddNumbers = (a, b) => a + b

in
AddNumbers(5, 10) // Output: 15

Mini-Exercise: Create a function to multiply two numbers.

Step 3: Working with Tables & Records

Since M Query is for data transformations, focus on tables and records.

Creating a Table

let

Source = #table(

{"Name", "Age"},

{{"Ali", 30}, {"Sara", 25}}

in

Source

Accessing a Column

Source[Name] // Returns: {"Ali", "Sara"}

Filtering Data

let

FilteredTable = Table.SelectRows(Source, each [Age] > 25)

in

FilteredTable

Mini-Project: Filter a sales table where Amount > 1000.

Step 4: SQL-Like Operations in M Query

If you're used to SQL, here’s how M Query translates:


SQL Operation M Query Equivalent

SELECT * FROM
Source
Table

WHERE Age > 30 Table.SelectRows(Source, each [Age] > 30)

GROUP BY Table.Group(Source, "Category", {{"Total", each List.Sum([Sales]), type


Category number}})

Table.NestedJoin(Table1, "ID", Table2, "ID", "NewColumn",


JOIN (INNER)
JoinKind.Inner)

Mini-Exercise: Write an M Query to group sales data by region.

Step 5: Common Transformations in Power BI

Adding a New Column

Table.AddColumn(Source, "NewColumn", each [Sales] * 1.1, type number)

Replacing Values

Table.ReplaceValue(Source, "OldValue", "NewValue", Replacer.ReplaceText,


{"ColumnName"})

Merging Queries (SQL Joins)

Table.NestedJoin(Table1, "ID", Table2, "ID", "Merged", JoinKind.Inner)

Mini-Project: Create a calculated column for Profit = Sales - Cost.

Step 6: Performance Optimization in M Query

Since M Query can slow down with large datasets, optimize with:

Disable "Auto Data Type Detection"


Filter Data as Early as Possible
Use Table.Buffer() for Large Data
Prefer List.Accumulate() over Loops

Example:
let

ListSum = List.Accumulate({1..100}, 0, (state, current) => state + current)

in

ListSum

Resource: Performance Tuning Guide

Step 7: Real-World Applications Based on Your Work

Since you're a BI developer, use M Query for:

Automating Data Cleaning → Remove duplicates, fix column types


Complex ETL Workflows → Merge multiple datasets
Financial Reports → Transform raw financial data for Power BI
SQL Query Optimization → Pre-process data before loading to Power BI

Final Project Idea:

• Load an Excel file into Power Query

• Clean missing values

• Merge with a SQL dataset

• Create calculated columns

• Export final table to Power BI

Step 8: Keep Practicing & Explore Advanced M Query

Resources:
Official Power Query M Language Reference
Power BI M Query Cookbook
M Query GitHub Examples

Final Thoughts:
Since you already use SQL and Power BI, M Query will feel natural. Start with basic
queries, then data transformations, and finally complex ETL pipelines.

Would you like help with a specific M Query transformation or an advanced M Query
project?

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