Product guide

The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M)

The Definitive Guide to Power Query (M) is a 758-page Packt Publishing guide to the M formula language and data transformation. It covers fundamentals through advanced topics, with chapters on data types, functions, error handling, debugging, and performance optimization. The listing recommends some prior Power Query experience, so it is better suited to readers seeking depth than to a first introduction.

At a glance

Covers M language fundamentals, values, expressions, types, structured values, and control structures.
Topics include accessing and combining data, nested structures, parameters, custom functions, and date and time handling.
Includes chapters on errors and debugging, iteration and recursion, difficult data patterns, and performance optimization.
Listing describes practical examples addressing real-world problems and recommends basic Power Query experience.

Price

$32.71Save 41%

Reference price: ~~$54.99~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

Wide subject coverage connects everyday data transformation with more advanced M concepts.
Dedicated error-handling and performance chapters may help readers working with complex or recurring data-cleaning tasks.
At 758 pages, the book offers substantial reference material rather than a short overview.

Cons

The listing recommends prior Power Query experience, which may make the book a challenging starting point for complete beginners.
Its extensive coverage and 758-page length may be more than readers need for occasional, basic transformations.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Publication details
Publisher	Packt Publishing
Publication date	March 29, 2024
Language	English
Print length	758 pages
ISBN-10	1835089720
ISBN-13	978-1835089729

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	2.83 pounds
Dimensions	7.5 x 1.72 x 9.25 inches

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Business analysts and business intelligence professionals who already use Power Query and want to deepen their M skills.
Power users who need a book-length reference for data cleaning, complex transformations, debugging, or performance topics.
Readers who prefer practical examples alongside language concepts.

Less suited to

Readers seeking a beginner-only introduction with no prior Power Query experience.
Buyers looking for a short guide focused only on basic spreadsheet operations.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.5 / 5 · 155 ratings

5 stars77%77%
4 stars10%10%
3 stars7%7%
2 stars3%3%
1 star3%3%

Aggregate customer ratings skew positive, with most ratings in the five-star category, but a smaller share of ratings are lower. Without written feedback, the figures do not explain what readers liked or disliked. They offer only a broad reception signal, not confirmation of the book’s depth, clarity, or usefulness for a particular level of experience.

Frequently asked questions

Is this suitable for someone new to Power Query?

The listing recommends basic Power Query experience. Beginners may find it more useful after learning the fundamentals elsewhere.

What subjects does the book cover?

The stated topics include M fundamentals, data types and expressions, data access and combination, custom functions, errors and debugging, iteration, difficult data patterns, and performance optimization.

How long is the book?

The listing gives a print length of 758 pages.

Is this a guide to Power BI reporting?

Its focus is Power Query and the M language for data transformation. The listing discusses data modeling and business intelligence reports as contexts for using those skills.