The answer is the sum of Amount only for the West region. This result occurs because the CALCULATE function applies a direct filter for 'West' on the Region column, and crucially, no ALL function is present to remove or override that filter. In DAX, when KEEPFILTERS is not explicitly used, CALCULATE’s filter argument replaces existing filters on the same column by default, but here the absence of ALL means the West filter is applied without clearing any pre-existing context—so the measure returns the sum strictly for West. On the PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of how CALCULATE interacts with filter arguments versus the ALL function, often appearing in scenarios where candidates mistakenly think ALL is needed to isolate a region. A common trap is assuming ALL must be paired with KEEPFILTERS to restrict results, but in reality, a simple filter inside CALCULATE already restricts the data. Memory tip: “No ALL means no escape—CALCULATE locks the filter in place.”
PL-300 Model the data Practice Question
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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
DAX expression:
CALCULATE(
SUM(Sales[Amount]),
KEEPFILTERS(Sales[Region] = "West"),
ALL(Sales[Region])
)
Refer to the exhibit. What is the result of this DAX expression?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Sum of Amount only for the West region
The DAX expression uses the CALCULATE function to modify the filter context, applying a filter that restricts the calculation to only the 'West' region. The ALL function is not used to remove filters, so the expression returns the sum of Amount exclusively for the West region, not for all regions or other regions.
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.
✗
Sum of Amount for all regions except West
Why it's wrong here
KEEPFILTERS includes West.
✓
Sum of Amount only for the West region
Why this is correct
KEEPFILTERS ensures West filter is applied, ALL removes other filters.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Sum of Amount for regions other than West
Why it's wrong here
ALL removes other filters but KEEPFILTERS adds West.
✗
Sum of Amount for all regions
Why it's wrong here
KEEPFILTERS adds the West filter.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse a positive filter (Region = "West") with a negative filter (Region <> "West") or assume CALCULATE without ALL still sums all rows, leading them to pick options that describe exclusion or aggregation over all regions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, CALCULATE performs context transition and filter modification; when a simple filter like 'Region = "West"' is used, it replaces any existing filters on the Region column within the current filter context. This is distinct from using ALL to remove filters or using FILTER with a condition like Region <> "West" to exclude a region. In real-world scenarios, this pattern is common for creating measures that isolate a specific segment for comparison, such as comparing West region sales against overall sales using ALL.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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: Sum of Amount only for the West region — The DAX expression uses the CALCULATE function to modify the filter context, applying a filter that restricts the calculation to only the 'West' region. The ALL function is not used to remove filters, so the expression returns the sum of Amount exclusively for the West region, not for all regions or other regions.
What should I do if I get this PL-300 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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