Data Model creation
07:04 06 May 2026

I have a table (Table 1) in power bi which has unique and distinct Col A. Among other columns, it also has Col B, which is not unique and distinct. I have another table - Table 2 ( which is a direct query). The only matching column between the two tables is Col B (not unique and distinct in Table 2). How to best create data model?

What I have tried is - created a dim_table3 which takes distinct values for Col B from both the tables as the only column in dim_table3. The relationships defined is as follows -

Relationship 1
dim_table3[Col B] (1)
   → Table 2[Col B] (many)

Cross filter: Single
Active: Yes


Relationship 2
dim_table3[Col B] (1)
   → Table 1[Col B] (many)

Cross filter: Single
Active: Yes

Now in table visual, when I use Col A of table 1 and any other column from Table 2, I get - can't determine relationship between these tables. I have even tried changing the cross filter direction in Relationship 2 to both, but still end up with the same error.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

powerbi data-modeling cardinality