Key Difference Between Power BI and Excel
Microsoft Office 365 includes Excel. Excel was released by Microsoft Corporation in 1985 and is now Excel 2018. The spreadsheet application Excel stores data in rows and columns. Recent Excel versions have more features and apps. You can gain insights from data.
Power BI is Microsoft’s business analytics product. Power BI uses software services, apps, and connectors to turn unrelated data into interactive, cohesive, and visually immersive insights. Power BI connects to any-sized data sources simply.
Power BI vs Excel Comparison Table
This table compares Power BI with Excel’s main differences:
| Feature | Power BI | Excel |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Business Intelligence (BI) tool for data visualization, analysis, and reporting. | Spreadsheet software for data analysis, calculation, and reporting. |
| Data Sources | Connects to various data sources, databases, and online services for real-time data. | Limited in terms of real-time data connections. Supports a wide range of data sources but may require manual updates. |
| Data Modeling | Includes a robust data modeling engine with relationships, hierarchies, and calculated columns. | Supports basic data modeling capabilities, but may not be as advanced as Power BI. |
| Visualization | Offers advanced visualization options with interactive and dynamic charts, maps, and dashboards. | Provides charting and graphing tools but with fewer advanced visualization options compared to Power BI. |
| Dashboards | Allows the creation of interactive dashboards with multiple visualizations and filters. | Limited dashboard capabilities compared to Power BI. Dashboards may require manual updates and lack real-time data connectivity. |
| Data Analysis Expressions (DAX) | Utilizes DAX, a powerful formula language, for creating custom calculations and measures. | Supports basic formulas and functions for data analysis but lacks the advanced capabilities of DAX in Power BI. |
| Collaboration | Facilitates collaboration through shared dashboards and reports hosted on the Power BI service. | Collaboration is primarily file-based, with shared workbooks through platforms like OneDrive or SharePoint. |
| Sharing and Distribution | Supports sharing and distribution of reports through the Power BI service and embedding in websites or applications. | Sharing is typically done by sending Excel files, and collaborative editing may involve sharing files on cloud platforms. |
| Integration | Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft 365 applications and services, as well as third-party applications. | Integrates with various Microsoft 365 applications. Power Query and Power Pivot features enhance data integration. |
| Pricing | Offers both free and subscription-based plans. The Power BI Pro plan is required for advanced features and collaboration. | Part of the Microsoft 365 suite with various subscription plans. Excel itself is included in most Microsoft 365 plans, but some features may require the Microsoft 365 subscription. |
| Automated Refresh | Supports automated data refresh for Power BI reports, ensuring up-to-date data. | Data refresh in Excel may require manual updates, and automated refresh options are limited without additional tools or services. |
| Big Data and Advanced Analytics | Supports big data processing and advanced analytics through integrations with Azure services and advanced features like AI visuals. | While Excel can handle large datasets, Power BI offers more advanced analytics capabilities, including machine learning integration. |
| Mobile Accessibility | Provides a dedicated mobile app for iOS and Android devices, offering a responsive and optimized experience. | Excel is accessible on mobile devices but may not provide as optimized an experience as Power BI’s dedicated app. |
| Learning Curve | May have a steeper learning curve, especially for advanced features like DAX and data modeling. | Familiar to many users, but advanced features such as Power Pivot and Power Query may require additional learning. |
| Use Cases | Ideal for organizations requiring advanced data visualization, business intelligence, and interactive dashboards. | Widely used for general data analysis, financial modeling, and reporting. May be suitable for smaller-scale BI needs. |