Dax Function: DATEVALUE
Category: Date and Time Functions
The DATEVALUE function in Power BI is a DAX function that converts a date represented as text into a date in datetime format. It ensures proper handling of date strings and allows them to be used in calculations and visualizations.
Purpose
To transform text-based date representations into a datetime format for seamless analysis.
Type of Calculations
Performs data type conversions specifically for dates.
Practical Use Cases
Commonly used for cleaning data from non-standardized or external sources where dates are stored as text.
DATEVALUE(date_text)
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
date_text | String | A text string representing a date in an acceptable format (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY). The function relies on locale settings for interpretation. |
How Does DATEVALUE Dax Function Works
The DATEVALUE function works as follows:
- It interprets the text string provided in
date_textbased on the system’s locale and date settings. - Converts the string into a datetime value.
- Returns the converted datetime value or generates an error if the string format is invalid.
For example:
DATEVALUE("01/25/2025")returns25 January 2025 12:00:00 AM.
What Does It Return?
- Type: Datetime.
- Meaning: Returns a datetime value corresponding to the input
date_text. If the input contains only a date without a time component, the time defaults to12:00:00 AM.
When Should We Use It?
- Calculating Durations: Determine how long a project, t
- Data Cleaning: Convert non-datetime data types into usable datetime values for analysis.
- Interoperability: Handle data imported from external sources with inconsistent formats.
- Dynamic Calculations: Enable text-based date fields to interact with other datetime functions (e.g.,
DATEDIFF,NOW).
Examples
Basic Usage
Convert a date string into a datetime value:
DATEVALUE("02/10/2025")
Returns: 10 February 2025 12:00:00 AM.
Column Usage:
Transform a column of text-based dates in a table:
NewDateColumn = DATEVALUE(Table[DateText])
For each row in the DateText column, the function converts the text into a datetime value.
Advanced Usage
Combine with logical conditions to process data dynamically:
IF(DATEVALUE([DateText]) > TODAY(), "Future Date", "Past Date")
Labels dates as “Future Date” or “Past Date” based on whether they occur after today.
Tips and Tricks
- Input Validation: Ensure
date_textstrings are in a recognizable format, matching the system’s locale. - Default Time: Remember that the function sets the time to
12:00:00 AMfor dates without a time component. - Error Handling: Use error-handling functions like
IFERRORto handle invalid date strings gracefully.
Potential Pitfalls
- Locale Dependency: Misinterpretation of dates may occur if the text format conflicts with locale settings (e.g.,
MM/DD/YYYYvs.DD/MM/YYYY). - Invalid Strings: Non-date strings or unrecognizable formats will result in errors.
Performance Impact of DATEVALUE DAX Function:
- Large Datasets: For tables with numerous rows of text-based dates, pre-transforming the data in the source system or Power Query may improve performance.
- Error Handling: Use
IFERRORor validation steps to manage potential issues with invalid formats.
Related Functions You Might Need
- DATE: Constructs a datetime value from year, month, and day components.
- TIMEVALUE: Converts a time in text format into a datetime value.
- VALUE: Converts text to a number or datetime, depending on context.
- FORMAT: Formats dates or other data types into strings.
Want to Learn More?
For more information, check out the official Microsoft documentation for DATEVALUE. You can also experiment with this function in your Power BI reports to explore its capabilities.
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The DATEVALUE function converts a text-based date into a datetime format that Power BI can use for calculations.
If the date_text format conflicts with the system’s locale settings, the function may return errors or incorrect values.
If the input text includes only a date, the function sets the time to 12:00:00 AM.
Yes, but it relies on the system’s locale settings to interpret the format correctly.
Use the IFERROR function to return a default value or message when DATEVALUE encounters invalid inputs.
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