DAX Studio is a great external tool to write, execute and analyze DAX queries in Power BI. A user now has the ability to not only analyze data using DAX but also export data from the Power BI report to SQL tables and CSV files.
In this tutorial, we will be learning how to export data from the Power BI report to the SQL server to perform analysis using SQL. This feature is great to use when we have the PBI report but we can’t access the data source directly in SSMS to perform analysis on the data.
Follow the instructions to export data from the Power BI report to SQL server to perform analysis using SQL
1. Download DAX Studio version 2.13
To begin with the process, you first need to have the latest version of DAX studio as this feature is not available in the older versions.
2. Open PBIX file
In order to connect DAX studio to Power BI, open your Power BI file.
3. Connect DAX Studio with PBI Report
Now open DAX Studio and in Data Source settings select PBI/SSDT Model option. In the dropdown menu, you‘ll be able to see the report you opened in the previous step.
Select the desired report from the dropdown.
Connect to the report.
4. Exporting Data to SSMS To Analyse Data Using SQL
From the main stage, navigate to the toolbar and select the Advanced menu.
Select Export Data option.
In Export Data Wizard, select SQL Tables.
5. Provide Connection to SQL Server
Provide a server name. It will be localhost in our case. It is compatible with Windows authentication and SQL server authentication. We will be using Windows authentication.
Provide DB name you want to store data into. You need to create a separate database if you don’t have one already.
Let schema be dbo.
6. Select Tables to import into SSMS
In this step select the tables you need to import into SSMS.
We are deselecting the Include Internal tables option as we don’t want to load any system generated table.
We don’t have any hidden tables so deselect the option.
Export the selected tables.
Export successful.
7. Analysing data in SSMS using SQL
Go to SSMS and navigate to Databases.
Expand the tables in your DB and you’ll be able to see your imported tables.
Analyze your data in SSMS.
Conclusion
Exporting Power BI data to SQL Server provides a scalable and structured way to analyze and manage business intelligence at an enterprise level. By using tools like DAX Studio and the SQL Server Import and Export Wizard, users can efficiently migrate their Power BI PBIX data into a relational database environment. This process enhances data accessibility, supports complex queries, and allows integration with other systems.
If you’re looking to streamline your Power BI workflows or need expert guidance on implementing SQL Server solutions, reach out to our Power BI specialists for tailored support.
Need help connecting Power BI with SQL Server?
Our team can help you set up secure data exports between Power BI and SQL Server for better reporting and control.
FAQs
Can I export data from Power BI to SQL Server?
Yes. You can export data from a Power BI PBIX file to SQL Server using DAX Studio. It enables users to extract tabular data and move it into SQL Server databases for further analysis in SSMS or integration into enterprise systems.
What tool do I need to export Power BI data to SQL Server?
You’ll need DAX Studio - a free tool for connecting to Power BI datasets, executing queries, and exporting data. The blog uses DAX Studio 2.13, which supports exporting data tables to SQL Server.
Do I need coding skills to export Power BI data to SQL?
Not necessarily. The process shown in the blog is no-code, using UI-based steps with DAX Studio’s Export Data Wizard. However, familiarity with database concepts and SQL Server helps in post-export analysis.
What are the steps to export Power BI data to SQL Server?
Download and install DAX Studio
Open your PBIX file
Connect DAX Studio to your report
Use the Export Data Wizard to select tables
Connect to your SQL Server
Export selected tables to SSMS
Analyze your data in SQL
Can I analyze Power BI data in SQL after export?
Yes. Once the data is in SQL Server, you can use SQL queries in SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio) to analyze, transform, or join it with other datasets for reporting and BI workflows.
Does exporting Power BI data to SQL affect the original PBIX file?
No. The process is read-only for the PBIX file. DAX Studio connects to the in-memory model and exports selected tables to SQL Server without modifying the source report.
Why export Power BI data to SQL instead of just using Power BI?
Exporting to SQL Server offers advanced control over the data, makes it easier to join with enterprise systems, supports large-scale reporting, and allows for centralized analytics using familiar SQL queries and third-party tools.
Is this export process secure?
Yes. When using SQL Server authentication or Windows Authentication, the data export process remains within your secured environment. You can configure user roles and access levels post-export within SQL.
Can I export filtered Power BI data to CSV automatically?
Yes, if you're looking to export filtered table data from a Power BI visual rather than raw datasets, you can automate this process using Power Automate and SharePoint—no complex coding required. This approach is ideal when you want to share visual-level data with non-Power BI users or streamline report distribution. Learn how to export Power BI visuals to CSV using Power Automate in this step-by-step blog.