This One Change Made My Time-Intelligence [DAX] Performance Faster!

Video by: Reid Havens

Microsoft's new calendar-based time intelligence isn't magic, but it's a necessary optimization for every new model (and existing ones with performance issues).

The Results:
✅ Simplified query plans
✅ Fewer rows scanned by Storage Engine (SE)
✅ Same DAX, better syntax

The performance gains come from smarter query optimization. If you're working with large fact tables and time-based calculations, this is how the engine should be working.

What I cover:

  • How calendar-based functions optimize the storage engine

  • DAX Studio query plan comparison (side-by-side)

  • Setting up calendar categories in Power BI

  • Migrating from classic DATEADD to calendar-based syntax

  • FREE Power BI Calendar Template (PBIX)

RELATED CONTENT 🔗

Calendar Template
Livestream - PBI Calendar Overhaul: Calendar-Based Time Intelligence (with Jeroen [Jay] ter Heerdt)
Calendar-based time intelligence
Microsoft Blog Announcement
Introducing calendar-based time intelligence in DAX

Link to Calendar Template on Analytic Endeavors
Posted on November 11, 2025 and filed under DAX, Data Modeling.