Quick Answer
The correct answer is CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Product[Category] = 'Electronics'). This DAX expression works because CALCULATE modifies the existing filter context by applying a direct filter on the Product[Category] column, restricting the sum to only 'Electronics' rows. Unlike FILTER, which iterates row-by-row and can be less efficient, a simple predicate inside CALCULATE leverages the storage engine for faster performance. On the PL-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of filter context versus row context, a frequent source of confusion. A common trap is choosing CALCULATE with FILTER, which is redundant when a simple Boolean filter suffices. Remember: when you need to filter a single column by a static value, use a direct filter inside CALCULATE—no FILTER function required. For quick recall, think "direct filter for direct value" to avoid overcomplicating your DAX.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model 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 are designing a Power BI data model that includes a Sales table and a Product table. The Product table contains a column 'Category' with values like 'Electronics', 'Clothing', etc. You need to create a measure that calculates the total sales amount for the 'Electronics' category only. Which DAX expression should you use?
SUM(Sales[Amount])
Why wrong: No filter applied.
SUMX(FILTER(Sales, RELATED(Product[Category]) = 'Electronics'), Sales[Amount])
Why wrong: Works but less optimal.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), FILTER(Product, Product[Category] = 'Electronics'))
Why wrong: CALCULATE already applies filter context; FILTER is unnecessary.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Product[Category] = 'Electronics')
Direct filter in CALCULATE is efficient and correct.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Product[Category] = 'Electronics')
Option D is correct. CALCULATE modifies filter context, and here it applies a filter on Product[Category] = 'Electronics'. Option A sums all sales without filter. Option B uses SUMX with a filter but is less efficient. Option C uses CALCULATE with FILTER, which is redundant.
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.
SUM(Sales[Amount])
Why it's wrong here
No filter applied.
SUMX(FILTER(Sales, RELATED(Product[Category]) = 'Electronics'), Sales[Amount])
Why it's wrong here
Works but less optimal.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), FILTER(Product, Product[Category] = 'Electronics'))
Why it's wrong here
CALCULATE already applies filter context; FILTER is unnecessary.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Product[Category] = 'Electronics')
Why this is correct
Direct filter in CALCULATE is efficient and correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
What to study next
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), Product[Category] = 'Electronics') — Option D is correct. CALCULATE modifies filter context, and here it applies a filter on Product[Category] = 'Electronics'. Option A sums all sales without filter. Option B uses SUMX with a filter but is less efficient. Option C uses CALCULATE with FILTER, which is redundant.
Identify which PL-300 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This PL-300 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PL-300 exam.
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