Quick Answer
The answer is Append Queries, which is the dedicated transformation in Power Query for stacking rows from one table onto another, such as combining Sales2024 rows beneath Sales2023. This operation is fundamentally about increasing the number of rows while keeping the same columns, making it the direct and standard method for appending data. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this concept tests your understanding of row-level vs. column-level transformations, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must choose between Append and Merge. A common trap is confusing Merge with a Full Outer join as a valid append method; while it can produce a similar result by combining all rows without a matching key, it is not the intended or efficient transformation for simply stacking tables. Remember the memory tip: Append adds rows (like stacking paper), Merge adds columns (like linking chains).
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
You need to combine two tables in Power Query: 'Sales2023' (columns: Date, ProductID, Amount) and 'Sales2024' (columns: Date, ProductID, Amount). Which TWO transformations can be used to append rows from Sales2024 to Sales2023?
Combine Files
Why wrong: For combining multiple files, not queries.
Use UNION function in DAX
Why wrong: DAX function, not a Power Query transformation.
Merge Queries as New with Full Outer join
Can combine all rows from both tables.
Append Queries
Direct append operation.
Group By
Why wrong: Aggregates data, does not append rows.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Merge Queries as New with Full Outer join
Option C is correct because a Merge with a Full Outer join in Power Query will combine all rows from both tables, effectively appending rows from Sales2024 to Sales2023 when the join key (e.g., Date and ProductID) is not used to match rows but instead results in a union-like output. However, the primary correct answer for appending rows is Option D (Append Queries), which is the dedicated transformation in Power Query to stack rows from one table onto another. Option C is listed as correct in the answer key, but it is less direct; Append Queries is the standard method.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Combine Files
Why it's wrong here
For combining multiple files, not queries.
Use UNION function in DAX
Why it's wrong here
DAX function, not a Power Query transformation.
Merge Queries as New with Full Outer join
Why this is correct
Can combine all rows from both tables.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Append Queries
Why this is correct
Direct append operation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Group By
Why it's wrong here
Aggregates data, does not append rows.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse Merge Queries (which joins columns) with Append Queries (which stacks rows), and the Full Outer join option appears to work but is a misdirection; the correct Power Query transformation for appending rows is Append Queries, not Merge.
Detailed technical explanation
The Append Queries transformation in Power Query uses the Table.Combine M function under the hood, which stacks rows from two tables with matching column names, ignoring column order. A Full Outer join in Merge Queries creates a Cartesian product of matching rows and includes non-matching rows from both sides, which can mimic an append only if no join columns are specified, but it is inefficient and not intended for row stacking. In practice, Append Queries is the correct and optimized choice for combining rows from tables with identical schemas.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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FAQ
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Merge Queries as New with Full Outer join — Option C is correct because a Merge with a Full Outer join in Power Query will combine all rows from both tables, effectively appending rows from Sales2024 to Sales2023 when the join key (e.g., Date and ProductID) is not used to match rows but instead results in a union-like output. However, the primary correct answer for appending rows is Option D (Append Queries), which is the dedicated transformation in Power Query to stack rows from one table onto another. Option C is listed as correct in the answer key, but it is less direct; Append Queries is the standard method.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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