Power Query is a powerful tool in Microsoft Excel and Power BI that makes working with data much easier. One of its most useful features is the ability to append tables. Appending tables means combining rows from two or more tables into one big table. This is very helpful when you have similar data in multiple tables, such as monthly sales reports or survey responses, and want to put them all together.
In this blog, let’s learn how to append two or more tables in Power Query step by step! (You can also check out our YouTube video on how to append tables in Power Query. Click here)
What Is Appending in Power Query?
Appending tables in Power Query means stacking the rows from one table below the rows of another. Think of it like joining two pieces of paper end to end to create one long sheet.
For example:
- Table 1: Sales data from January.
- Table 2: Sales data from February.
Appending these tables will create one table containing both January and February data. (You can also check out our YouTube video on how to append tables in Power Query. Click here)
Steps to Append Tables in Power Query
Step 1: Open Power Query
- Open your Excel file or Power BI file.
- Go to the Data tab (in Excel) or Home tab (in Power BI) and click on Get Data to load your tables into Power Query.
Step 2: Load Your Tables
- Select the tables you want to append. You can load them from Excel sheets, CSV files, or databases.
- After loading, each table will appear as a separate query in the Power Query editor.
Step 3: Select the Tables to Append
- In the Power Query editor, click on Home in the top menu and select Append Queries.
- A dialog box will open. You will have two options:
- Append Queries: Combine the selected table with another.
- Append Queries as New: Create a new table that combines all the tables.
Choose the option that suits your needs.
Step 4: Choose the Tables
- If you are appending just two tables, select the first and second tables.
- If you are appending more than two tables, select the Three or More Tables option and choose all the tables you want to combine.
Step 5: Preview and Apply Changes
- Power Query will show you a preview of the appended table. Check to ensure all rows from the selected tables are combined.
- Click Close & Load in Excel or Close & Apply in Power BI to save your changes.
Key Points to Remember
- Matching Column Names:
- For the best results, make sure the tables you’re appending have the same column names and order.
- If the column names don’t match, Power Query will still append the tables but may leave some columns blank.
- Data Types:
- Ensure that the columns in your tables have the same data types (e.g., text, numbers, dates).
- Unlimited Tables:
- You can append as many tables as you need, not just two!
Why Use Power Query for Appending Tables?
- Time-Saving: You don’t need to copy and paste data manually.
- Dynamic Updates: If your source tables are updated, the appended table can also update automatically.
- Easy to Use: Power Query’s interface makes the process simple, even for beginners.
Conclusion
Appending tables in Power Query is a quick and efficient way to combine data from multiple sources. By following these steps, you can easily create a single table that contains all the rows from your selected tables.
Power Query is a fantastic tool for managing and analyzing data, and learning to append tables is just one of the many ways it can help you save time and work smarter. Try it today and see how easy it is!
You can also check out our YouTube video on how to append tables in Power Query. Click here