Calculated measures and query scoped members in SSRS

Calculated Measures are a powerful feature in OLAP cubes. They are used to extend cube functionality trough combining actual measures and dimensions with each other. A calculated measure is defined in the cube whereas a query scoped member is defined in an MDX-query. Sometimes a query scoped member might be the only option due to user rights or performance reasons.

Let's say we want to define a query-scoped member that allows us to subtract the previous period's sales from the current period to find out whether sales increased or decreased. First open SQL Server Management Studio then connect to SSAS, open the Adventure Works database and create the following query: