? Add Column Tab – Power Query

✨ Quick Overview

The Add Column tab is used when you need to expand your dataset with new logic, calculations, or formats without altering the original source columns.

? Key Concepts

Increases Column Count: Always results in a new column at the end of your table.
Non-Destructive: Your original data remains untouched.
Logic & Math: Ideal for creating KPIs like "Total Sales" or status flags like "High/Low Priority."

? Navigation Path

Path: Power Query Editor → Add Column (Located between Transform and View tabs).

? Sample Dataset

? View Practice Data

OrderID,City,Quantity,Price 1,Pune,2,15000 2,Mumbai,1,45000 3,Delhi,5,500

? Main Features & Examples

1. Column from Examples (Pattern Recognition)

You provide a few samples of the desired output (e.g., typing "PU" for "Pune"), and Power BI predicts the rest.

2. Custom Column (Math Formula)

Used for manual calculations like [Quantity] * [Price].

3. Conditional Column (Logic)

The Power Query version of an "IF" statement. If Price > 10000 then "High" else "Low".

⚡ Interactive Conditional Column Builder

Simulate the Conditional Column logic to see how a new column is generated:

If Output Else

✅ Tips & Best Practices

Tab Choice: If you want to keep your original column for other visuals, always use the Add Column tab.
Index Columns: Use "Index Column" (From 1) to create a unique ID if your source data lacks a primary key.
Formatting: New columns often default to "Any" data type. Always set the data type (Number, Text, etc.) immediately after creating them.
Duplication: Use "Duplicate Column" as a safety step before performing risky transformations on the original data.

? Try It Yourself

Create a City Code column using Column From Example (Pune -> PN).
Create a Total Sales column using Custom Column ([Qty] * [Price]).
Add an Index Column starting from 1 to serve as a Row ID.
Check your Applied Steps to see the Added Custom step name.