Looker Studio Function: Looker Studio PARSE_DATETIME Complete Guide with Examples : Use case
Category: DATE function
The PARSE_DATETIME function in Looker Studio is used to convert text or string values that include both date and time into a valid DATETIME format based on the specified pattern.
This is especially helpful when working with imported datasets where timestamps are stored as text, preventing proper time-based calculations, ordering, or visualization.
Once converted, these values can be used effectively in time-series charts, hourly trend analysis, event tracking, and performance monitoring dashboards.
Purpose of the PARSE_DATETIME Function
1. Convert text timestamps to real datetime format
Makes textual timestamps usable in charts & calculations
2.Enable time-based filtering
Allows filtering by hour, minute, second, etc.
3. Fix formatting issues
Converts inconsistent timestamp formats into standard DATETIME
Why Use PARSE_DATETIME in Looker Studio?
Key Benefits & Use Cases
✔ Convert timestamps from logs, analytics tools or API exports
✔ Fix unrecognized date-time formats like "15-06-2025 14:20:50"
✔ Create hourly trend charts & live monitoring dashboards
✔ Enable real-time event tracking and processing
✔ Combine with UNIX_SECONDS, DATETIME_DIFF, DATE_TRUNC, etc.
PARSE_DATETIME(format_string, text_datetime)
| Parameter | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| format_string | String | Date-time pattern of the original string |
| text_datetime | Text |
How the PARSE_DATETIME Function Works?
PARSE_DATETIME reads the structure of a text-based timestamp and converts it into a valid DATETIME type, enabling sorting, aggregation, comparison, and visualization based on both date and time values.
When should use the PARSE_DATETIME Work?
Use this function when:
Your timestamps are in text format and not recognized as datetime
You need hour-level or minute-level segmentation
You are building real-time dashboards or log analysis reports
You import data from CSV, spreadsheets, APIs, CRM, ERP, or tracking systems
It converts text-based timestamps into valid DATETIME format for reporting and calculations.
Yes, but PARSE_DATE is recommended for date-only conversions.
Convert to text first using:
Not directly—combine with CONVERT_TZ() if needed.
Yes, it is necessary when timestamps appear as text.
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