Excel formulas pull dynamic lists from the data model
Reviewed by Helen Jones
Excel University published a worked example that combines CUBESET, CUBESETCOUNT, BYROW, LAMBDA and CUBEVALUE to return a dynamic bill-of-materials list from Excel’s data model. The result changes when the user enters a different assembly code, without VBA or helper columns.
When data sits in a normal worksheet table, FILTER is usually the simpler choice. But FILTER cannot directly reach a Power Query dataset that was loaded only to the data model, which leaves report builders reaching for PivotTables or manual extracts. This pattern gives an existing Excel model a formula-driven output surface that can spill filtered detail onto a sheet. It is most useful when the workbook already depends on Power Pivot relationships or measures and the underlying data is too large to live comfortably in cells.
Analysis
Download the example workbook and test the pattern on a copy of one model. Keep FILTER for worksheet tables; reach for CUBE formulas only when the data or measures live in the data model.
Source note
Pulse published by Collab365 Spaces, reviewed by Helen Jones on . Cite as "Excel formulas pull dynamic lists from the data model", Collab365 Spaces.