Quick Answer
The correct answer is that both Append Queries and Merge Queries are valid methods to combine data from multiple sources in Power BI, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. Append Queries stacks rows from two or more tables into a single table, functioning like a SQL UNION operation—ideal when you have identical column structures across sources, such as combining monthly sales files. Merge Queries, on the other hand, joins columns based on matching keys, similar to SQL JOINs, and is used to enrich or relate tables. On the PL-300 exam, this distinction tests your ability to choose the right transformation for the data shape required; a common trap is confusing Append for column-based consolidation or Merge for row-based stacking. Remember the memory tip: Append adds rows (think “add rows”), Merge adds columns (think “merge columns”).
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of prepare 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 of the following are valid methods to combine data from multiple sources in Power BI?
Pivot Column
Why wrong: Transforms data from rows to columns.
Append Queries
Appends rows from one query to another.
Unpivot Columns
Why wrong: Transforms data from columns to rows.
Merge Queries
Merges columns based on a matching key.
Group By
Why wrong: Aggregates data, does not combine sources.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Append Queries
Append Queries is a valid method to combine data from multiple sources in Power BI because it stacks rows from two or more tables into a single table, which is essential when you have similar data structures across different sources (e.g., monthly sales files). This operation is performed in Power Query Editor and corresponds to a UNION operation in SQL, making it a standard data preparation technique.
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.
Pivot Column
Why it's wrong here
Transforms data from rows to columns.
Append Queries
Why this is correct
Appends rows from one query to another.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Unpivot Columns
Why it's wrong here
Transforms data from columns to rows.
Merge Queries
Why this is correct
Merges columns based on a matching key.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Group By
Why it's wrong here
Aggregates data, does not combine sources.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse data transformation operations (like Pivot, Unpivot, Group By) with data combination operations (Append and Merge), leading them to select options that modify existing data rather than integrate multiple sources.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Append Queries in Power Query uses the Table.Combine function, which performs a union of rows without requiring matching keys, while Merge Queries uses Table.NestedJoin to perform a SQL-style JOIN (e.g., left outer, inner) based on key columns. A subtle behavior is that Append Queries will align columns by name, but if column names differ, it may create separate columns or require manual mapping; this is critical when combining data from disparate systems like CRM and ERP exports.
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.
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FAQ
Prepare the data — This question tests Prepare the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Append Queries — Append Queries is a valid method to combine data from multiple sources in Power BI because it stacks rows from two or more tables into a single table, which is essential when you have similar data structures across different sources (e.g., monthly sales files). This operation is performed in Power Query Editor and corresponds to a UNION operation in SQL, making it a standard data preparation technique.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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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 are valid ways to combine data from multiple sources in Power Query? (Choose two.)
easyWhy B: Option B is correct because the Append Queries operation in Power Query combines rows from two or more tables by stacking them vertically, which is a standard way to consolidate data from multiple sources when the columns are aligned. This is distinct from merging, which combines columns based on matching keys.
Variation 2. You need to combine data from two tables in Power Query that have the same columns but different row sets. Which operation should you use?
easyWhy C: Append Queries is the correct operation in Power Query when you need to combine two tables with identical columns but different row sets. It stacks the rows from the second table beneath the rows from the first table, effectively performing a union of the data. This is distinct from Merge Queries, which joins columns based on a key, and Group By, which aggregates data.
Variation 3. Which TWO options are valid methods to combine multiple tables in Power Query?
mediumWhy C: Option C (Merge) is correct because Merge in Power Query performs a join-like operation that combines columns from two tables based on a matching key, similar to SQL JOINs. Option E (Append) is correct because Append stacks rows from multiple tables with the same columns, akin to SQL UNION ALL. Both are native Power Query operations for combining tables.
Variation 4. You have a Power BI dataset that combines sales data from two Excel files: Sales2023.xlsx and Sales2024.xlsx. Both files have the same schema. You need to combine them into a single table without duplicating rows. What is the best approach in Power Query?
mediumWhy C: Option C is correct because Append Queries in Power Query is specifically designed to combine rows from two or more tables with the same schema into a single table, stacking them vertically without duplicating rows. This operation is performed in the Power Query Editor (M language) and is the standard approach for unioning data from multiple sources during the data preparation phase, before loading into the Power BI data model.
Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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