Duplicate vs Reference in Power Query

Learn how to choose the right approach when reusing datasets in Power Query. In this Data Survival Skills session, Robin explains the difference between duplicating and referencing queries—and when to use each. By walking through examples in Excel and Power BI, she shows how duplicates create independent copies of your transformed data, while references maintain a dynamic link to the original dataset. You’ll see how to streamline cleaning routines across multiple datasets—like transforming plant orders by type—while keeping control over which changes carry through. This approach helps you design flexible, efficient data models that save time and reduce errors. 
#PowerQuery #PowerBI #Excel #DataCleaning #DataModeling #BusinessIntelligence #DataAnalytics #MicrosoftExcel #MicrosoftPowerBI 

Power Query Editor displaying plant data table.
Power Query Editor displaying plant data table.
Power Query Editor displaying data table.
Spreadsheet displaying tree data and customer information.

If you’re a data analyst, you’ve no doubt learned different skills, techniques, and tools pertaining to data. But sometimes it can be difficult to know when and why to apply these tools. In this weekly series, instructor Robin Hunt explains a new skill, secret, tip, technique, best practice, or golden piece of advice in each installment. Robin covers topics that can help you do your job better, such as joining data and data designs, privacy for data, transforming and cleaning data, and making data sets and visualizing data.

Watch the Series Intro Today

Note: Because this is an ongoing series, viewers will not receive a certificate of completion.