DATEVALUE

How to Use the Power BI DAX function DATEVALUE

Understanding the DATEVALUE Function

The DATEVALUE function in Power BI is used to convert a text string that represents a date in a specified format into a date value. This function takes a single argument, which is the text string that represents the date. The syntax of the DATEVALUE function is as follows:

DATEVALUE(❰date_text❱)

The ❰date_text❱ parameter is the text string that represents the date to be converted. This text string must be in a valid date format that Power BI can recognize. The DATEVALUE function returns a date value that can be used in calculations.

Using the DATEVALUE Function in Power BI

Let's take a look at an example to see how the DATEVALUE function can be used in Power BI. Suppose we have a table that contains a column named "Date" that contains dates in text format. We want to create a new column that contains the date values of these dates so that we can perform calculations on them. Here's how we can use the DATEVALUE function to achieve this:

1. Open Power BI Desktop and load the data into the Data Model.

2. Select the table that contains the "Date" column.

3. Click on the "New Column" button in the "Modeling" tab of the ribbon.

4. In the formula bar, enter the following formula:

= DATEVALUE([Date])

5. Press Enter to apply the formula. Power BI will automatically convert the dates in the "Date" column into date values.

6. Rename the new column to something meaningful, such as "DateValue".

7. Save and close the Power BI file.

Now, we have a new column in our table that contains the date values of the dates in the "Date" column. We can use this new column to perform calculations and analysis on the dates.

Date Formats Recognized by Power BI

As mentioned earlier, the text string that represents the date must be in a valid date format that Power BI can recognize. Power BI recognizes several date formats, including:

- "MM/DD/YYYY"

- "MM-DD-YYYY"

- "MMM DD, YYYY"

- "YYYY/MM/DD"

- "YYYY-MM-DD"

- "YYYYMMDD"

If the date is in a different format, the DATEVALUE function will return an error. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the date format is correct before using the DATEVALUE function.

The DATEVALUE function in Power BI is a useful tool for converting dates in text format into date values that can be used in calculations and analysis. By using this function, users can save time and effort by avoiding the need to manually convert dates. Additionally, the DATEVALUE function can help to reduce errors that can occur when manually converting dates. By following the steps outlined in this article, users can easily use the DATEVALUE function to convert dates in their data into date values.

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