Quick Answer
The answer is to reduce the number of columns in the query and push transformations to the source. Reducing columns minimizes the data transferred from the source to Power BI, which directly improves DirectQuery performance by lowering network load and query complexity. Pushing transformations—such as filtering, aggregation, or joins—to the source database leverages its processing power instead of forcing Power BI to handle row-by-row evaluation, which is critical because DirectQuery does not import data. On the PL-300 exam, this tests your understanding of how to optimize query folding and avoid performance killers like bidirectional cross-filtering or calculated columns in DirectQuery mode. A common trap is assuming bidirectional filtering improves performance, but it actually degrades it by creating ambiguous join paths. Remember the mnemonic: “Cut the columns, shift the work”—meaning trim what you select and let the source do the heavy lifting.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of visualize and analyze 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.
Which TWO actions can improve the performance of a Power BI report that uses DirectQuery?
Create calculated columns instead of measures.
Why wrong: Calculated columns are inefficient in DirectQuery.
Push transformations to the data source.
Reduces load on Power BI.
Reduce the number of columns in the query.
Less columns means less data transfer.
Use bidirectional cross-filtering.
Why wrong: Bidirectional can slow down queries.
Increase cross-filter direction to both.
Why wrong: Same as B.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Push transformations to the data source.
Options A and D are correct. Reducing columns reduces data transfer; setting bidirectional cross-filtering can cause performance issues, but increasing it is not recommended; using calculated columns in DirectQuery is slow; you should push transformations to the source. Option B is wrong because bidirectional cross-filtering can degrade performance. Option C is wrong because calculated columns are evaluated row-by-row in DirectQuery. Option E is wrong because increasing cross-filtering direction adds complexity.
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.
Create calculated columns instead of measures.
Why it's wrong here
Calculated columns are inefficient in DirectQuery.
Push transformations to the data source.
Why this is correct
Reduces load on Power BI.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Reduce the number of columns in the query.
Why this is correct
Less columns means less data transfer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Use bidirectional cross-filtering.
Why it's wrong here
Bidirectional can slow down queries.
Increase cross-filter direction to both.
Why it's wrong here
Same as B.
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
Visualize and analyze the data — This question tests Visualize and analyze the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Push transformations to the data source. — Options A and D are correct. Reducing columns reduces data transfer; setting bidirectional cross-filtering can cause performance issues, but increasing it is not recommended; using calculated columns in DirectQuery is slow; you should push transformations to the source. Option B is wrong because bidirectional cross-filtering can degrade performance. Option C is wrong because calculated columns are evaluated row-by-row in DirectQuery. Option E is wrong because increasing cross-filtering direction adds complexity.
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
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Same concept, more angles
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 actions can improve the performance of a Power BI report that uses DirectQuery? (Select two.)
mediumWhy A: Options B and C are correct because reducing the number of visuals reduces queries, and setting up aggregations reduces the data scanned. Option A is wrong because increasing cache size does not affect DirectQuery. Option D is wrong because using calculated columns moves computation to Power BI, but they are evaluated row by row and can be slow. Option E is wrong because using many small visuals increases queries.
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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