power bi desktop outer joins

[djm7]

am I correct that the joins between tables in power bi desktop do not include the option to have outer joins.

this seems very limiting.

[rajendraongole1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @djm7  - You're correct that Power BI Desktop does not natively support outer joins in the relationship model between tables.

Power BI's data model focuses on optimizing performance and usability for analytics and visualization rather than acting as a full-fledged database or ETL tool. Outer joins can increase complexity, lead to ambiguous relationships, and potentially degrade performance in large datasets.

workaround should be at power query editor:

Go to Home > Merge Queries in Power Query Editor.
Choose the type of join you want (e.g., Full Outer Join, Right Outer Join).
Load the resulting joined table back into your Power BI model.

Hope this helps.

[v-stephen-msft · Accepted solution]

Hi @djm7 ,

For your requirement, you can take a look at NATURALLEFTOUTERJOIN Function and try to use it create a merged table with full records.

Best Regards,
Stephen Tao

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly

[rajendraongole1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @djm7  - You're correct that Power BI Desktop does not natively support outer joins in the relationship model between tables.

Power BI's data model focuses on optimizing performance and usability for analytics and visualization rather than acting as a full-fledged database or ETL tool. Outer joins can increase complexity, lead to ambiguous relationships, and potentially degrade performance in large datasets.

workaround should be at power query editor:

Go to Home > Merge Queries in Power Query Editor.
Choose the type of join you want (e.g., Full Outer Join, Right Outer Join).
Load the resulting joined table back into your Power BI model.

Hope this helps.