The answer is that the FILTER function removes month context from the Date table. This happens because FILTER with ALL(Date) strips all existing filters from the entire Date table, including the month-level filter applied by the matrix rows. As a result, the measure calculates the total sales for the current year as a single value, ignoring the month breakdown, which is why every month shows the same number. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of filter context and how ALL() overrides it, a common trap where candidates expect row context to persist. The key insight is that ALL() is a context-clearing function, not just a table reference. A useful memory tip: think of ALL as a “reset button” that wipes out all existing filters on the specified table, so any subsequent context from visuals is ignored.
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. The following DAX expression is used in a measure:
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[Amount]),
FILTER(
ALL(Date),
Date[Year] = MAX(Date[Year])
)
)
You have a Power BI model with tables: Sales (DateKey, Amount) and Date (DateKey, Year, Month, Day). The measure above is intended to show sales for the current year ignoring any filters on date. However, when placed in a matrix with Month on rows, it returns the same value for every month. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Refer to the exhibit. The following DAX expression is used in a measure:
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[Amount]),
FILTER(
ALL(Date),
Date[Year] = MAX(Date[Year])
)
)
A
The CALCULATE function is misused and should be replaced with SUMX
Why wrong: The syntax is correct; the issue is logical.
B
The FILTER function removes month context from the Date table
ALL(Date) removes filters on all columns, including Month.
C
The Date table is not marked as a date table
Why wrong: Marking as date table is not required for this calculation.
D
The relationship between Sales and Date is inactive
Why wrong: If inactive, the measure would return different results, but the symptom is constant value.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The FILTER function removes month context from the Date table
The FILTER function uses ALL(Date) which removes all filters from the Date table, including the month filter from the matrix row context. Therefore, the measure always returns the total sales for the entire current year regardless of the month. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the expression is valid syntactically. Option C is wrong because there is no relationship ambiguity issue. Option D is wrong because the table name is used correctly.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The CALCULATE function is misused and should be replaced with SUMX
Why it's wrong here
The syntax is correct; the issue is logical.
✓
The FILTER function removes month context from the Date table
Why this is correct
ALL(Date) removes filters on all columns, including Month.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The Date table is not marked as a date table
Why it's wrong here
Marking as date table is not required for this calculation.
✗
The relationship between Sales and Date is inactive
Why it's wrong here
If inactive, the measure would return different results, but the symptom is constant value.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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 — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The FILTER function removes month context from the Date table — The FILTER function uses ALL(Date) which removes all filters from the Date table, including the month filter from the matrix row context. Therefore, the measure always returns the total sales for the entire current year regardless of the month. Option B is correct. Option A is wrong because the expression is valid syntactically. Option C is wrong because there is no relationship ambiguity issue. Option D is wrong because the table name is used correctly.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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