Quick Answer
The correct DAX expression is TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date]). This works because TOTALYTD is a dedicated time intelligence function that automatically evaluates the sum of sales from the start of the current year up to the latest date in the filter context, making it the precise tool for a year-to-date measure. On the PL-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish between functions that return scalar values versus tables; a common trap is choosing DATESYTD, which returns a table of dates and must be wrapped inside CALCULATE to work as a measure. Another frequent mistake is using SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR, which calculates the prior year’s equivalent period, not the current year’s running total. To remember, think of TOTALYTD as the “one-stop scalar” for year-to-date, while DATESYTD is just the date range you feed into CALCULATE.
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 want to create a measure that calculates the total sales for the current year. Which DAX expression should you use?
DATESYTD('Date'[Date])
Why wrong: DATESYTD returns a table, not a scalar value.
TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date])
TOTALYTD is the appropriate time intelligence function for year-to-date.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), YEAR('Date'[Date]) = YEAR(TODAY()))
Why wrong: This calculates total for current year, not year-to-date.
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date])
Why wrong: This compares to previous year, not year-to-date.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date])
Option A is correct because TOTALYTD calculates year-to-date. Option B is wrong because DATESYTD returns a table. Option C is wrong because CALCULATE requires a filter. Option D is wrong because SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR is for previous year.
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.
DATESYTD('Date'[Date])
Why it's wrong here
DATESYTD returns a table, not a scalar value.
TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date])
Why this is correct
TOTALYTD is the appropriate time intelligence function for year-to-date.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CALCULATE(SUM(Sales[Amount]), YEAR('Date'[Date]) = YEAR(TODAY()))
Why it's wrong here
This calculates total for current year, not year-to-date.
SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date])
Why it's wrong here
This compares to previous year, not year-to-date.
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.
Model the data — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Model the data practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All PL-300 questions
966 questions across all exam domains
Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
PL-300 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Prepare the data.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Deploy and maintain assets.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Model the data.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Visualize and analyze the data.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to Manage and secure Power BI.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 fundamentals.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 scenario.
Practise PL-300 questions linked to PL-300 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: TOTALYTD(SUM(Sales[Amount]), 'Date'[Date]) — Option A is correct because TOTALYTD calculates year-to-date. Option B is wrong because DATESYTD returns a table. Option C is wrong because CALCULATE requires a filter. Option D is wrong because SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR is for previous year.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.