PowerBI Pro Dataset & Workspace Size Limitations Restrictions

In this post, we’ve collected a list of limitations and rules that apply to Power BI Pro datasets within cloud service workspaces. Understanding these constraints is essential for effective data analysis and visualization in Power BI. Whether you’re new to Power BI or experienced, this post will help you navigate these restrictions and make the most of the cloud service for your data-related tasks.

PowerBI Pro Dataset & Workspace Size Limitations Restrictions

As we know, the per dataset size restriction for datasets in a pro workspace is 1 GB (1024 MB), exceeding which gives an error message.

However, the total workspace size equals the number of Pro users in the subscription. For example, if there are 100 PowerBI Pro users, individually, you get access to 100 x 10 GB of space for publishing reports on a 1 GB dataset size each. Example below:

Topic	Description
Power BI Storage Modes	Two primary ways: Import mode and DirectQuery mode.
Dataset Size Measurement	Use tools like DAX Studio for accurate measurement.
Predicting Dataset Size	Challenging to predict; Power BI compresses data upon import.
Data Limits in Power BI Desktop	Constrained by PC’s memory; 10GB limit for publishing to Power BI Service.
Data Limits in Power BI Service	1GB max for Shared capacity; 10GB default for Premium/PPU, but can be larger with Large Dataset storage format.
Other Import Mode Limits	Max of 1,999,999,997 distinct values in a column; combined limit of 16,000 tables and columns.
Performance Considerations	Issues can arise from inefficient DAX measures or poor modeling decisions.
General Data Loading Guidelines	It can handle millions of rows in Shared capacity and up to a few billion rows in Premium.

PowerBI Pro Dataset & Workspace Size Limitations Restrictions: Here’s a summarized breakdown:

1. Power BI Storage Modes: Power BI can work with data in two primary ways – Import mode and DirectQuery mode. In DirectQuery mode, no data is stored in the Power BI dataset, while in Import mode, a copy of the data is stored inside the dataset using Power BI’s internal database engine.
2. Dataset Size Measurement: The size of a Power BI dataset can be measured using various methods, with one recommended way being the use of a community-developed tool called DAX Studio.
3. Predicting Dataset Size: It’s challenging to predict the exact size of a dataset before importing all the data. Power BI compresses data efficiently upon import, and the final dataset size can vary based on the data model.
4. Data Limits in Power BI Desktop: The primary constraint for data in Power BI Desktop is the PC’s memory. A 10GB limit on the dataset size can also be published to the Power BI Service from Power BI Desktop.
5. Data Limits in Power BI Service: For users on Shared capacity (often called “Power BI Pro”), the maximum dataset size is 1GB. For those using Power BI Premium or Premium Per User (PPU), the default maximum dataset size is 10GB, but with the Large Dataset storage format, datasets can be larger based on available memory.
6. Other Import Mode Limits: There are specific limitations in Import mode, such as a maximum of 1,999,999,997 distinct values in a single column and a combined total limit of 16,000 tables and columns.
7. Performance Considerations: While Power BI can handle large data volumes, the efficiency of reports is crucial. Performance issues can arise due to inefficient DAX measures or poor modeling decisions.
8. General Data Loading Guidelines: With best practices in data modeling, Power BI can handle tables with millions of rows in Shared capacity and up to a few billion rows in Premium.

Let’s expand on the table with more detailed information: PowerBI Pro Dataset

Topic	Description	Key Points & Additional Information
Power BI Storage Modes	Two primary ways: Import mode and DirectQuery mode.	– DirectQuery: No data stored in Power BI dataset.  – Import mode: Data is stored using Power BI’s internal database engine.
Dataset Size Measurement	Use tools like DAX Studio for accurate measurement.	– DAX Studio’s Model Metrics feature shows dataset size.  – Various methods are available for measuring dataset size.
Predicting Dataset Size	Challenging to predict, Power BI compresses data upon import.	– Dataset size is often smaller than the original data source size. <br> – Compression efficiency varies based on the data model.
Data Limits in Power BI Desktop	Constrained by PC’s memory; 10GB limit for publishing to Power BI Service.	– Ideal to have at least 16GB-32GB RAM for the best experience. – 10GB limit for publishing, but larger datasets are possible in Power BI Premium.
Data Limits in Power BI Service	1GB max for Shared capacity; 10GB default for Premium/PPU, but can be larger with Large Dataset storage format.	– Shared capacity (or “Power BI Pro”) has a 1GB limit. – Power BI Premium/PPU has a default 10GB limit but can be extended with Large Dataset storage format.
Other Import Mode Limits	Max of 1,999,999,997 distinct values in a column; combined limit of 16,000 tables and columns.	– Limitations on distinct values and total number of tables/columns.  – Some DAX functions have constraints based on row numbers.
Performance Considerations	Issues can arise from inefficient DAX measures or poor modeling decisions.	– Performance is about data volume, DAX efficiency, and modeling. – Best practices can mitigate most performance issues.
General Data Loading Guidelines	It can handle millions of rows in Shared capacity and up to a few billion rows in Premium.	– Shared capacity suitable for millions of rows.  – Premium can handle billions of rows with proper modeling and practices.

Conclusion

Power BI offers versatile data storage and processing capabilities, catering to both small and large datasets. Its two primary storage modes, Import and DirectQuery, provide flexibility in data handling.

While specific limits are based on the platform and version, such as dataset sizes in Power BI Desktop and Service, these constraints are often manageable with the right practices. Tools like DAX Studio aid in understanding dataset sizes, and adhering to best practices ensures optimal performance.

Whether dealing with millions of rows in Shared capacity or billions in Premium, Power BI remains a robust solution for diverse data needs.

Disclaimer: The Questions and Answers provided on https://www.gigxp.com are for general information purposes only. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the website for any purpose.