Reuse an Existing Power BI Dataset to Build a New Report?
Answer
Correct answer: A — connect the new report to the existing Power BI dataset so its data model and measures are reused without re-importing the Excel file.
For the sales department at your company, you publish a Power BI report that imports data from a Microsoft Excel file located in a Microsoft SharePoint folder. The data model contains several measures. You need to create a Power BI report from the existing data. The solution must minimize development effort. Which type of data source should you use?
Community Votes
62% of anonymous learners picked answer A. Votes are pick records left by other test-takers — they are not the verified answer.
Community Insight
The test is whether you recognise a published semantic model (dataset) as a reusable data source; the trap is assuming you must point at the underlying SharePoint/Excel file again because that is where the raw data lives.
When a published Power BI report already contains a data model with measures, a new report should be built on that existing Power BI dataset rather than re-importing the SharePoint Excel file. This page confirms why the dataset is the minimum-effort data source and explains why the SharePoint folder and Excel workbook options fail the requirement.
Choosing 'a SharePoint folder' (or 'an Excel workbook') because the raw data physically lives there — that answer forces you to redo the import, cleansing and measure authoring, which directly violates the 'minimize development effort' requirement.
Community Discussion (117 comments)
saarah9
👍 1
Selected: A
The best approach is to reuse the existing Power BI dataset (Semantic Model) instead of rebuilding the model.
Naesh
👍 1
Selected: A
Since a report was already published and its data model already has measures built into it, connecting to the Power BI dataset (also called a semantic model) lets you build a brand-new report that reuses the entire existing model — tables, relationships, and all those already-built measures — via a live connection. You get a fresh report canvas without redoing any of the modeling or DAX work.
HeyJitu_25
👍 2
Selected: A
The question says: ✅ There is an existing Power BI report. ✅ The data model already contains several measures. ✅ You need to create another report. ✅ Minimize development effort. The best approach is to reuse the existing Power BI dataset (Semantic Model) instead of rebuilding the model. When you connect to an existing Power BI dataset: You reuse all measures. Relationships and calculated columns are already available. No need to recreate the model. Only design the report visuals.
Guiksp
👍 1
Selected: A
The answer is Sharepoint folder.
MaheshBabuThanneru
👍 1
Selected: A
Using Dataset, a semantic model.
omath
👍 3
Selected: A
A. Power BI dataset We already published a Power BI report with an imported model and measures. The easiest way to create another report using the same data and calculations (while minimizing development effort) is to connect to the existing Power BI dataset. This avoids rebuilding the model or measures from scratch. B. SharePoint folder → Would require recreating the model and measures. C. Power BI dataflows → Useful for ETL, but you’d still need to build the model again. D. Excel workbook → Same issue as SharePoint; more work to replicate measures.
Harshith_VC6362
👍 1
Selected: A
A. Power BI dataset This is the easiest route. You simply hook your new report up to the dataset you already published. All the tables, relationships and measures are already there, so you don’t have to rebuild anything. This saves the most time and effort. B. A SharePoint folder This would mean starting over from the raw Excel file in SharePoint. You’d have to set up the queries, relationships and measures again. That’s a lot more work than just reusing what you already have. C. Power BI dataflows Dataflows are mainly for prepping and transforming data before it lands in a dataset. They don’t carry your measures or relationships, so you’d still have to recreate the model inside Power BI. Again, more work. D. An Excel workbook This is basically the same as option B , you’d be pulling raw data from Excel again and recreating everything. Not efficient.
rlmanganip
👍 1
Selected: A
PBI Dataset
Geetster
👍 1
Selected: A
It contains measures
Humphrey42
👍 1
Selected: A
A is correct
Manasdextrous
👍 2
Selected: B
We have to use the base dataset to make a report not the power bi published dasboard data which is been added into the power bi cached files.
MirianeAn
👍 1
Selected: C
Dossier Sharepoint, car le fichier Excel utilisé se trouve dans un dossier Sharepoint
Hosna2023
👍 1
Selected: A
By using a Power BI dataset, you can reuse the existing data model—including all the measures—in your new report without having to recreate them, which minimizes development effort.
tecnoyescas
👍 1
Selected: A
Its a power bi dataset because youre using the same data, it just take some clicks to connect to the semantic model.
Sonuf
👍 1
Selected: D
MOST WEBSITES HAS THIS ANSWER AS D
ThandaPanda11
👍 1
Selected: A
resuing existing data to get the measures that are already created is best
Jaitin
👍 1
Selected: A
power bi datasets are most common appoach to reuse single data for multiple reports
Nomios
👍 147
It should be dataset, because the case states there is already a report published and the datamodel contains measures. therefore and to be able to use the measures in the datamodel you should connect to the existing dataset (which was created when you plublished the report) instead of starting from scratch with the files in the SharePoint folder.
LilaJansen01
👍 1
Exactly - just had the same question in my exam
Green13
👍 7
The answer is Sharepoint folder. The data model was for the previously published PowerBi report. Creating a new report from existing data refers to all Sales data on the sharepoint folder.
TopCat1583
👍 11
B is the correct answer. you have to take the data from the data source. How is a data set in power BI a data source? The data source is the excel document.
cabbagepie
👍 1
can you provide documentation/reference links on this please?
5d477b6
👍 3
You can check the semantic model, they changed the name from dataset to semantic model.
Hoeishetmogelijk
👍 10
The question is confusing because it doesn't tell clearly that there are two reports. So the second report can reuse the dataset of the first one.
ZSun
👍 8
I think the question is clear: Publish the first report, and then create the second report from dataset of the first report
LOCOBI
👍 2
The question also implies that there is a report already created, so using the PBI dataset will include the calculated metrics
bbshu0801
👍 1
Yea, I think so.
NatRob
👍 5
After reading the question multiple times, the biggest takeaway is that its asking directly for data. A SharePoint folder HOLDS data, but it is not data itself. I agree with this and think its the existing dataset
rcaliandro
👍 2
Selected: A
The correct answer is A-Power BI dataset (now has benn renamed as Power BI semantic models)
NilinET
👍 1
Selected: A
Dataset has been renamed to semantic model, so PBI dataset should be equivalent to PBI Semantic model. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-rename Back to the question, for the purpose of minimizing development effort, by using an existing semantic model may save time from clear, transform and load the data source.
Kiran37
👍 1
Selected: B
correct
Nishi_06
👍 1
a sharepoint folder
Migs123
👍 3
Selected: B
The first two sentences were meant to confuse you. The actual question is which "data source"
supersoniccat
👍 1
I agree. the correct answer should be Dataset, as it refers to create a new PBI based on data (and a dataset) already built
antouan
👍 2
Selected: A
The correct answer should be Dataset. A connection with the Share folder was initiated for the first report. After publishing the report a Power BI dataset was created and by connecting with it we minimize the development.
e31df62
👍 1
Selected: A
Agree with Nomios! Answer I am going with: Existing Dataset bc the qs clearly states that the report is already published and the data model of that published report contains measures. Therefore, to be able to use those measures in the already published dataset, use: Existing dataset)
Grey_Head
👍 1
Selected: A
The solution must minimize development effort.
canopus112
👍 2
Selected: B
Answer is B. Even though there was a published page before, they are trying to create a NEW report which you have to use the sharepoint folder url to get access to the files. lol
dataguy1
👍 2
Hi , im preparing for the 'Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate' cirt. Ive completed all modules that were on the Syllabus twice and there was no mention of the dataverse. I can see its Power app module thats not on the syllabus...does anyone have a comprehensive of all modules required?
Uhoh
👍 7
Selected: B
The question is: "Which type of data source should you use?" The Power BI dataset is NOT a data source. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources Thus, since it should have minimal developing impact, it should be answer B "Sharepoint folder".
chelchoul
👍 4
Power BI dataset is litteraly the 2nd option of your link. Answer is A
Jyothi988
👍 2
Selected: B
Sharepoint
LOCOBI
👍 1
Dataset included calculated tables, while a data flow is a collection of tables.
oOHichamOo
👍 1
A is the answer: I am not convinced with B, the published dataset is already connected to the existing data, and to minimize effort of modeling and creating all the measures you will just reuse everything
Krichounette
👍 1
Selected: A
For me is the answer A. the keywords for me are: you publish and not you want to publish or you will publish."Existing Data". Also, the solution must 'minimize developement effort' . If we want to minimize the effort, we won't do the same thing with reconnecting to the sharepoint folder.
Andreasdest
👍 1
Selected: A
you shall connect to the existing & published PowerBI dataset in order to minimize development effort and reuse the measures. If you connect to SP folder, then you shall start building from scratch
SHENOOOO
👍 1
Selected: A
The Dataset is already there, and the question mentioned that we should minimize development, so the dataset and measures are already existing. A should be the correct answer.
Briarheart1096
👍 4
This Question appeared in the Mock Exam provided in Coursera Power BI course and has Sharepoint Folder as the correct answer. Even though i think it should be Dataset
Masamune1
👍 3
Selected: A
Without a shadow of a doubt, if we want to create a report in PowerBI from a data model that contains measurements, we need to connect directly to that model, so we will use the Power BI Datasets option, if we connected to a Sharepoint folder , we would start from an excel file and nothing could be reused from the data model and its measurements.
LemonYeti
👍 3
The key word here was "publish", in order to access datasets they need to be published first therefore the answer is A.
Saluk_DE
👍 3
Selected: A
The set is already done and contains measures. You can build a report on the same dataset.
Brita_bm
👍 3
Correct answer is A
Preethamailapuram
👍 2
We will utilize an existing Power BI Dataset, the data source of which is a SharePoint folder. Consequently, the data source for the upcoming report will also be solely a SharePoint folder. So answer is B.
CookieMingkee
👍 2
Selected: A
The requirements are: You need to create a Power BI report from the existing data. The solution must minimize development effort. Using the Power BI Dataset already lessens the development effort and already contains measures that can used for the new report.
Rolfvo93
👍 2
TBH, dataset makes the most sense regarding inflation in the Sharepoint folder. If so, we would have to take the derivative of the inflation to adjust for unexpected polynomial functions which could expand from one folder to the next (which would cause a chain reaction), and eventually leading to power BI shutting down.
TrustMyAnswers
👍 1
Selected: A
A, as it is needed to minimize efforts.
Kish1604
👍 2
Selected: A
Since the solution must minimize development efforts and we already have a report with same dataset published, the answer should be Power BI dataset.
SwapnJ
👍 1
I think it should be a Sharepoint folder. Option B
Nagarajutd15
👍 3
Answer is "A --> Power BI dataset" because the question says "You need to create a Power BI report from the existing data. The solution must minimize development effort." If we use power bi dataset the development efforts will be less.
Igetmyrole
👍 1
The correct answer is D (an Excel Workbook) it is because using an Excel Workbook as a data source allows you to directly import the data from the EXCEL file into power bi without the need for additional data transformation steps.
dayrell
👍 1
Selected: B
Fastest way, like the it is asking.
Alexks
👍 2
B:SharePoint Folder Because the data you need is stored in an Excel file in a SharePoint folder, you would access and use that data as your source. This allows you to efficiently work with the existing data and create the report with the least development effort. If you had mentioned that the data is already in a Power BI dataset, then option A would have been the correct choice.
monaimonai
👍 2
Selected: A
data model contains measures
Acrious
👍 3
Selected: A
It states that it already imported the data from an excel file for an existing report. You are now adding another report that uses the same data. So you just use the dataset
RooneySmith
👍 3
Selected: B
Option A is possible choice, but you may be encountered to an error message saying "DirectQuery isn't available for this dataset", then it would add development effort. This is why B is safer as there is no difference in the process between choosing a dataset or Sharepoint folder. It would increase the load time, but there is no development effort behind it.
AK055
👍 1
Selected: B
Sharepoint folder
Ravisha27
👍 1
Selected: A
re-using power BI dataset is a clear choice here.
zak2003
👍 3
To reuse the existing imported data, we use PBI Dataset resource. Refer >>> https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-discover-across-workspaces
Stefan1986
👍 2
Selected: B
Using a Power BI dataset would be an appropriate option as well, and it might offer certain advantages over the SharePoint Folder data source depending on your specific requirements and scenario. However, if your goal is to minimize development effort, using the SharePoint Folder data source directly might be a more straightforward approach. It allows you to quickly import data from the Excel file without the need for additional data modeling in Power BI Desktop. It could be especially useful when the Excel file already contains the necessary measures, and you only need to create visuals for reporting
0b90882
👍 1
In this case you cannot benefit from the existing measures that were created in the existing model. By not using the existing model you have the re-create these.
Lavoisier
👍 3
The question is to select the type of data source. The answer can't be A, because Power Bi dataset is not a type of data source. The answer is B. SharePoint Folder is a type of data under the category File data source. Ref: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources
Green13
👍 1
https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-discover-across-workspaces "In Power BI Desktop: from the Home ribbon, select Get data > Power BI datasets."
RicoPallazzo7
👍 1
A power bi dataset IS a data soruce https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/use-power-bi-desktop-to-connect-with-your-project-data-df4ccca1-68e9-418c-9d0f-022ac05249a2 It says about a report
garvenor
👍 2
B.The excel dataset is held in SharePoint therefore SharePoint becomes our source.
JJMC5544
👍 2
"you publish a Power BI report" what do they mean? You have published ? You will publish ? It is difficult to determine whether the question is referring to a specific past instance, an ongoing action, or a future action.
visionary4ever
👍 5
Selected: A
A. Power BI dataset The Power BI dataset would be the best option in this scenario. If you've already published a Power BI report that imports data from an Excel file located in SharePoint and the data model contains several measures, you can simply use the existing Power BI dataset to create a new report. This would significantly minimize the development effort as you wouldn't need to import and transform the data again or recreate the measures. In Power BI Desktop, you can select "Power BI Datasets" as your data source and then select the published dataset you want to use. This method allows you to create multiple reports from a single dataset, enabling dataset reusability and consistency across reports. Options B, C, and D would require additional data loading and transformation efforts, which are not necessary in this case as the dataset has already been created and published.
AlejandroErazo
👍 1
Power BI dataset is not a data source. Option B is correct
JonDave
👍 1
Im going with power bi dataset. You already have the sharepoint dataset imported in a previous report. Use that dataset (power bi dataset) to generate new reports. It takes no development effort (i.e. obtaining the sharepoint link, ensuring correct permissions, etc)
Shalaleh
👍 1
Selected: A
The dataset includes measures. it means dataset is already in power bi.
lizbette
👍 2
Selected: A
Existing Power BI Dataset The key here is that you already have a published Power BI report, and you want to create a new report from that existing data. Using the existing dataset should minimize development effort because the existing file already has a model https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/service-datasets-understand
Addictedx_19
👍 1
I strongly support sharepoint site because based on best practice, sales reports are better managed by direct query to the data source
SanaCanada
👍 2
Selected: B
Given the answer is correct B.....no confusion, and no need to discuss further Plain and simple question
newGodking
👍 1
The appropriate solution is SharePoint. Although the question doesn't mention the existing model, it can be challenging to organize old Power BI data. Starting from scratch is a simpler alternative.
codeson
👍 2
Yes, its A
NLeeXTung
👍 2
Final answer is A. Reason why is: + In the question, it contains this sentences: "...The data model contains several measures...from the existing data...minimize development effort" and .. + .. If you aware that the first sentence said: "you publish a Power BI report that imports data from a Microsoft Excel file located in a Microsoft SharePoint folder" which should be written in simple past not simple present --> So you already have the data from Sharepoint in PBI dataset. + B only correct if the question is How to collect data from Sharepoint and have no other context.
Aneran
👍 2
To minimize development effort, you should use a SharePoint folder as your data source. Since your Microsoft Excel file is already located in a SharePoint folder, using this folder as your data source will allow you to easily import data into your Power BI report without the need for any additional data connectors or setup. Additionally, by using a SharePoint folder as your data source, you can take advantage of Power BI's built-in support for SharePoint, which makes it easy to keep your data up to date and share your report with others.
Andrew9834523
👍 1
Selected: A
should be Dataset
Abhi256
👍 1
Selected: B
In Power BI connect to the Microsoft Excel file located in the Microsoft SharePoint folder. This connector will allow you to import the data from the Excel file into Power BI and create a report from the existing data model with minimal development effort.
DUVANES
👍 2
Selected: A
Se debe minimizar el esfuerzo de Desarrollo, utilizar el conjunto de Datos de Power Bi que ya tiene toda la transformación y las medidas.
TopCat1583
👍 3
B- I say SharePoint folder. The data source is Excel file nested in the SharePoint folder. I have several report deriving from one data source(excel inside a SP folder) in my job now. Think this way the data source is imported to Power BI, key work imported meaning the information is saving in Power BI but not updating. How will the imported Power BI data set update when the Excel file updates. It will not upddate?
srikanth923
👍 5
Selected: A
The answer is A. Although there are two possible answers, if you use Power BI datasets, any data cleaning steps applied and measures created in the dataset will be automatically applied when the dataset is imported. However, if you import the dataset into Power BI using the SharePoint folder, you'll need to apply the data cleaning steps again, which requires more development work.
skaha
👍 1
Published report on PBI service, has dataset(existing data), can make many reports as needed. So A- Power BI Dataset is the correct answer.
BabaJee
👍 3
Selected: A
existing dataset to minimise efforts makes sense
Astroid_1994
👍 2
This question ought to be asked like this: You create a Power BI report for your company's sales division that imports data from a Microsoft Excel file that is housed in a Microsoft SharePoint folder. The data model includes a number of measurements. From the current data, a Power BI report must be made. The solution must reduce the amount of development work. Which kind of data source ought you to employ?
MBA_1990
👍 4
Selected: A
reuse of existing data
VinayKadaya
👍 2
I guess the first line "For Sales Team" has an implication here. The data set in Powerbi report that we publish for sales team has measures specific for them. And since the objective or end users of the second Power Bi report is not stated, it would imply we have to obtain data without any filters (which may have been in the first data set)
PsgFe
👍 2
minimize the effort with the measures already created. Use the dataset.
Dr_Do
👍 4
Selected: A
Several measures to be reused --> Dataset
Hoeishetmogelijk
👍 4
Selected: A
I read this question case like this: 1. You publish a Power BI report with its dataset including measures 2. You create a second Power BI report using the existing data with a minimal of effort. So my conclusion would be to reuse the dataset that was published together with the first report. So answer A.
Shiiton
👍 1
Sharepoint! Powerbi dataset wouldn't allow to use some features which was not declared in the question if was going to be necessary or not.
albi123
👍 1
Answer is "A"
Churato
👍 1
"...you publish a Power BI report..." "...The solution must minimize development effort." So the solution is A
Churato
👍 3
Selected: A
A) There's a Dataset already used once
xxfangxx
👍 4
Selected: A
"You need to create a Power BI report from the existing data." the keywords here is "EXISTING DATA"
lukelin08
👍 1
Selected: A
Can use the existing dataset, it contains measures and the requirement was for least development effort. Its entirely possible to use an existing dataset to create a new report within the PowerBI service
Lkra1
👍 3
Selected: B
Its a sharepoint folder, we are specifically being told that the data is in a SharePoint location
Dovoto
👍 2
Yes. The Microsoft Excel file is in a SharePoint location. But we are asked to "create a Power BI report from the existing data. The solution must minimize development effort". So we can reuse the existing dataset.
Nurgul
👍 2
Selected: A
Choosing a Power BI dataset will minimize the development effort.
RichardOgoma
👍 2
Selected: B
I looked at the data lineage view in my workspace, and you're correct. If the question was dataset, then the existing Power BI dataset should be reused. In this case, you connect to the data source which is the share point folder.
saurinkhamar
👍 5
B. a SharePoint folder as a datasource. Dataset is not a datasource. Dataset supports multiple datasources.
aish
👍 2
Power BI is also a type of data source. https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/power-bi/connect-data/desktop-data-sources
rashjan
👍 26
Selected: A
reuse the existing dataset.
alosh
👍 1
Selected: A
A : is The Correct Ansower (Dataset) the data is already Existing
GGrace
👍 2
A is the correct answer, we just reuse the existing PBI report dataset
blito123
👍 2
Dataset is correct, no?
d94949999
👍 1
Power BI Dataflow is the right answer?
d94949999
👍 4
Selected: B
I think B is the right answer
Comments & Corrections
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Expert Analysis
Why the Answer Is Correct
Publishing a Power BI report from Power BI Desktop also publishes its semantic model as a Power BI dataset in the service, and that dataset carries the tables, relationships and all the DAX measures built for the sales model. Power BI Desktop and the Power BI service both allow a new report to be authored directly against that existing dataset via 'Get data' > 'Power BI datasets' (or 'New report' on the dataset in the service). Because the cleansing steps and measures already exist in the model, the second report inherits them with zero rework — precisely what 'minimize development effort' demands. Nomios states the logic plainly: the model already exists, so you should "connect to the existing dataset" instead of starting over from the SharePoint files.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
A SharePoint folder (B) and an Excel workbook (D) are physical file locations — connecting to them creates a brand-new Power BI Desktop model, so every query, relationship and measure must be re-created or copy-pasted, which is the opposite of minimum effort. Power BI dataflows (C) would require you to define and maintain a new dataflow and then still build a fresh model on top of it, adding work rather than reusing the existing measures. The objection raised by Uhoh that a dataset is "NOT a data source" does not hold for this scenario: the exam treats the published semantic model as a connectable data source for authoring new reports, and the whole point of the question is that the model (not the file) is what should be reused.
Community Comment Notes
Nomios's highly upvoted explanation frames the decision around the already-published report and its measures, and rashjan summarises it as "reuse the existing dataset". Hoeishetmogelijk notes the wording only makes sense once you realise there are two reports and the second can reuse the first one's dataset, while ZSun reads it the same way: publish the first report, then build the second from its dataset. The dissenting camp (TopCat1583, Green13) argues the data source must be the SharePoint folder, but NatRob's observation that the question is really "asking directly for data" supports treating the dataset — which already holds the modelled data and measures — as the intended source.
Official Reference
Exam Strategy
Scan for two signals in PL-300 scenario questions: an artefact that already exists (a published report, dataset or semantic model) and a requirement to 'minimize development effort'. When both appear, the answer is almost always to reuse the existing Power BI dataset so existing measures and transformations carry over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the SharePoint folder wrong if the Excel file lives there?
Pointing at the SharePoint folder creates a fresh model, so the cleansing steps and measures must be rebuilt. The published dataset already contains them.
Does the new report need its own copy of the measures?
No. Reports built on a Power BI dataset share that dataset's model, so all existing DAX measures are available immediately without duplication.
Related Analysis
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