How does data model size affect Power BI performance?

< 1 min read

Data model size directly affects Power BI performance because larger models consume more memory.
In one project, the PBIX file size increased due to unused columns and historical data.
This slowed down report load time and refresh duration.
Large models increase query processing time during DAX calculations.
High-cardinality columns like transaction IDs also increase model size.
It impacts sharing and publishing, especially in Power BI Service.
After removing unused fields and archiving old data, performance improved.
So smaller, optimized models result in faster and more stable reports.

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