🧪 ✅ 🔎 📈

Power BI Literacy

Testing Reports for Trustworthy Insights

💡 Hover over any tip or practice to see practical testing examples
🧪

Test the Numbers

  • Reconcile key totals against a trusted source (ledger, ERP, or source system)
  • Validate filters and slicers produce expected results
  • Check totals, subtotals, and grand totals for each main visual
  • Confirm definitions for KPIs are applied consistently
🔎

Test the Data and Model

  • Validate relationships and filter direction behave as intended
  • Spot missing keys, duplicates, and unexpected nulls that change results
  • Verify date logic (calendar table, fiscal year, time intelligence)
  • Check row-level security outcomes using test users
⚡

Test Performance

  • Use Performance Analyzer to identify slow visuals and interactions
  • Test with realistic data volumes and typical user filters
  • Watch for expensive DAX patterns (iterators on large tables, complex SWITCH)
  • Confirm refresh duration and query times are within expectations
🧭

Test the User Experience

  • Check navigation, bookmarks, drillthrough, and tooltips end-to-end
  • Verify visuals remain readable on common screen sizes
  • Confirm titles, units, and formatting reduce misinterpretation
  • Test export options (PDF, PowerPoint, data export) where used
🛡️

Test Reliability

  • Simulate stale data scenarios and ensure users see clear warnings
  • Confirm refresh failure notifications and ownership routes work
  • Validate gateway, credentials, and data source changes do not break reports
  • Test scheduled refresh behavior across time zones if relevant
📋

Capture Evidence

  • Create a short test checklist for each release
  • Record test results, issues, and sign-off decisions
  • Keep an issues log with severity and resolution notes
  • Treat testing as part of delivery, not an optional step

Best Practices for Testing Power BI Reports

✅
Test With Known Benchmarks
Use a trusted control total or a validated source extract so you can confirm numbers are correct, not just plausible.
🧭
Create a Repeatable Test Checklist
Keep a short checklist per report so every change gets tested the same way, including edge cases and exceptions.
🔐
Validate Security Explicitly
Test RLS with real user roles and confirm what users can and cannot see, including totals and drillthrough.
⚡
Performance Test Under Real Use
Test interactions, slicers, and heavy pages with realistic volumes, not a small dev sample.
📣
Test Before and After Refresh
Run reasonableness checks after refresh to detect upstream issues like duplicates or missing keys.
📝
Capture Evidence and Sign-Off
Record what was tested, what changed, and who approved. This protects trust and speeds up support.