What is the role of measures in Power BI?

Measures in Power BI are essential components that perform calculations on your data model and return a single value, which can change dynamically depending on the context of the report. They are primarily used for aggregation functions such as SUM, AVERAGE, COUNT, and more complex calculations involving conditional statements or filtering.

One of the key features of measures is their ability to be recalibrated based on the context in which they are used. For example, if a measure calculates total sales, it can display different values based on filters applied in the report, such as selecting a specific region or time period. This capability enhances analytical flexibility and allows users to derive insights with greater specificity.

The roles of other options can differentiate in their function outside of what measures provide. While visual representation of data is achieved through visuals like charts and graphs, measures supply the calculations underpinning these visuals. Inputting raw data falls under data preparation tasks rather than the calculation functionality of measures. Creating new tables involves different operations in Power BI, such as using calculated tables or queries, which is outside the purview of what measures handle. Thus, the role of measures focuses on performing context-based calculations, making option C the most fitting choice.