PARALLELPERIOD() in Power BI
Table of Contents
Introduction
The time intelligence functions in Power BI offer effective tools that help in assessing performance and recognizing trends across several time intervals. One such powerful function is PARALLELPERIOD(), which allows you to retrieve data from a parallel time frame, such as the same period last year. This is especially useful for year-over-year (YoY) analysis, helping businesses evaluate growth and performance effectively.
Learn how to use the PARALLELPERIOD() function to compare sales with the previous year and understand how it differs from DATEADD().
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Using PARALLELPERIOD()
PARALLELPERIOD() is used to generate a table of dates over which further calculations are performed.
You can access the Power BI sample by downloading the files directly from the link provided below.
Use PARALLELPERIOD() to compare current Sales with Sales from the same period last year:
- Right click on All Measures in the Fields.
- Click on New measure.
Measure tools open.
- Type the following formula in the formula bar and press Enter.
DAX
Sales PPLY (CM) =
CALCULATE (
[Total Sales Amount (CM)],
PARALLELPERIOD ( ‘Date'[Date], -1, YEAR )
)
In the above expression:
- A virtual date table is calculated using the same period from one year earlier.
- The total sales amount for the dates in the rows of the virtual table is calculated.
4. Click on the “$” in the formatting section.
5. Type “2” in the text box.
6. Click on the matrix visual in the visualization pane.
7. Drag and drop Year column from the Date table to the rows.
Notice that an automatic date hierarchy is created.
8. Drag and drop Total Sales Amount (CM) and Sales PPLY (CM) from the All Measures table to the Values.
Let’s use this value for sales comparison.
9. Right click on All Measures in the Fields.
10. Click on New measure.
Measure tools open.
11. Type the following formula in the formula bar and press Enter.
DAX
% Sales compared to last year (CM) =
DIVIDE ( [Sales Amount YTD using TOTALYTD (CM)], [Sales PPLY (CM)] )
12. Click on the “%” in the formatting section.
13. Drag and drop % Sales compared to last year (CM) from the All Measures table to the Values.
Conclusion
By using time intelligence functions properly, Power BI can provide valuable insights that prove helpful in making decisions. PARALLELPERIOD() is a powerful time intelligence function in Power BI that helps compare data across different time periods. This function enables you to create a parallel period, making it easy to perform comparisons such as calculating sales from the previous year.
FAQs
The PARALLELPERIOD() is the time intelligence function that is available in DAX and it gives a set of dates for a previous or a future period including previous year, quarter or month in Power BI.
It happens because PARALLELPERIOD() cannot work at day level and thus give aggregated results for the whole year resulting in the same values for all months.
Extended Learning & References
For more in-depth learning and advanced Power BI training, enroll in
- Microsoft 365 Copilot Training Courses – Practical Learning for Modern Work
- Power BI Advanced Training Course.
- Power BI Report Design
- Power BI Essentials
- Power BI DAX Essentials
- Power BI Service Course
Here, you can access detailed courses and resources designed to enhance your Power BI skills and take your reporting capabilities to the next level.
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