DAX Filter Functions for Measures
Which TWO DAX functions can be used to filter data in a measure?
Quick Answer
The correct answer is CALCULATE and FILTER, as these two DAX functions are specifically designed to filter data in a measure. CALCULATE works by modifying the filter context of an expression, allowing you to apply custom filters to aggregations like SUM or AVERAGE, while FILTER returns a table that can be used as a logical condition to restrict rows based on a given expression. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this question tests your understanding of how measures interact with filter context rather than simple row-level filtering; a common trap is confusing aggregation functions like SUM with filter functions, or assuming that ALL or VALUES perform conditional filtering when they actually remove or list distinct values. To remember, think of CALCULATE as the “context changer” and FILTER as the “row checker”—together they form the core of dynamic measure filtering.
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse functions that return a table (like VALUES or ALL) with functions that actively filter data, or they mistake aggregation functions (like SUM) for filtering functions, leading them to select options that do not actually modify the filter context.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
FILTER
(FILTER) is correct because it is a DAX function specifically designed to return a filtered subset of a table based on a logical condition, making it a primary tool for row-level filtering within measures. Option E (CALCULATE) is correct because it modifies the filter context of a measure by applying or removing filters, effectively filtering data through its filter arguments. Both functions directly control which rows are included in calculations.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
VALUES
Why it's wrong here
VALUES returns distinct values but does not filter.
- ✗
SUM
Why it's wrong here
SUM is an aggregation, not a filter function.
- ✗
ALL
Why it's wrong here
ALL removes filters, it does not apply them.
- ✓
FILTER
Why this is correct
FILTER returns a table filtered by a condition.
- ✓
CALCULATE
Why this is correct
CALCULATE changes the filter context.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on PL-300
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid DAX functions for filtering data?
easy- A.CALCULATE
- ✓ B.FILTER
- C.SUM
- ✓ D.ALL
- E.DISTINCT
Why B: Options B and D are correct because FILTER and ALL are both DAX filter functions. Option A (CALCULATE) is a function that modifies filter context but is not a filter function itself. Option C (SUM) is an aggregation function. Option E (DISTINCT) is a table function that returns unique values but is not specifically a filter function.
JA
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Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.