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Getting Started with M in Power Query

Bryan
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Power Query lets you perform a series of steps to transform your Excel data.

There are times when we want to do things that are not built in the user interface. This is possible with Power Query’s programming language, which is M.

To start off, we will do a simple example of merging the first name and second name into a new column. This is possible with the CONCATENATE formula, however I want to use a simple example for you to get a feel of how to use M in Power Query.  Baby steps!

Getting Started with M in Power Query | MyExcelOnline

Download excel workbook Getting-Started-with-M.xlsx

 

Let’s go through the steps in detail:

STEP 1: Select your data and turn it into an Excel Table by pressing the shortcut Ctrl + T or by going to Insert > Table

Getting Started with M in Power Query

 

STEP 2: Go to Data > Get & Transform > From Table (Excel 2016) or Power Query > Excel Data > From Table (Excel 2013 & 2010)

Excel 2016:

 Merge Columns Using Power Query

Excel 2013 & 2010:

from table

 

STEP 3: This will open up the Power Query Editor.

Here we will have our first taste of using M!

Go to Add Column > Add Custom Column

Getting Started with M in Power Query

 

STEP 4: Let us create a simple M expression to combine the First Name and the Last Name.

In the New column name text box, type Full Name

In the Custom column formula, type in: [First Name]&” “&[Last Name] 

(You can alternatively double click in the Available columns names to use the column names in the formula)

The Ampersand (&) will combine the values together, then we added a space in the middle with the double quotes ” “

Click OK.

Getting Started with M in Power Query

Now you will see your changes take place.

Getting Started with M in Power Query

 

STEP 5: Click Close & Load from the Home tab and this will open up a brand new worksheet in your Excel workbook with the updated values.

Getting Started with M in Power Query

Woohoo! You now had your first taste of programming using M! Watch out for future posts as we tackle on more complex formulas!

Getting Started with M in Power Query

 

Add Comma in Excel between Names with SUBSTITUTE Formula

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Getting Started with M in Power Query | MyExcelOnline


Bryan

Bryan Hong is an IT Software Developer for more than 10 years and has the following certifications: Microsoft Certified Professional Developer (MCPD): Web Developer, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist (MCTS): Windows Applications, Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) and Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).

He is also an Amazon #1 bestselling author of 4 Microsoft Excel books and a teacher of Microsoft Excel & Office at the MyExecelOnline Academy Online Course.

See also  Install Power Query With Excel 2013

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