Append Queries

Sometimes data is split across multiple tables with the same structure. Instead of joining them side by side, you can stack them into one table using Append Queries.

For example, separate monthly sales tables can be combined into a single sales table.

What is Append Queries?

Append Queries combines rows from two or more tables into a single table.
Unlike Merge Queries, Append Queries adds rows instead of columns. It works similarly to the SQL UNION operation.

Example

January Sales

Product	Sales
Laptop	500
Mouse	300

February Sales

Product	Sales
Laptop	700
Keyboard	450

After Append

Product	Sales
Laptop	500
Mouse	300
Laptop	700
Keyboard	450

Steps to Append Queries

1. Open Power Query Editor.
2. Click Home → Append Queries.
3. Select the tables to append.
4. Choose Two Tables or Three or More Tables.
5. Click OK.
6. Review the appended data.
7. Click Close & Apply.

Why Use Append Queries?

• Combines similar datasets
• When no common key is found and has similar dataset
• Consolidates monthly or yearly data
• Simplifies data preparation
• Eliminates manual copying
• Creates a unified dataset for reporting

Difference Between Merge and Append Queries

Feature	Merge Queries	Append Queries
Purpose	Combines columns	Combines rows
Similar To	SQL JOIN	SQL UNION
Requirement	Common column	Same column structure
Result	Wider table	Longer table
Common Use	Add related information	Combine similar datasets

Best Practices

• Ensure all tables have the same column names and data types.
• Remove duplicate records if necessary.
• Validate the appended data before loading.
• Use Merge for related tables and Append for similar tables.

Conclusion

Append Queries combines rows from multiple tables into a single dataset, making it ideal for consolidating monthly, quarterly, or yearly data for reporting and analysis in Power BI