What is difference between DatesYTD and TotalYTD in simple terms with example. lot of confusion.

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

Hi @Rsing ,

DATESYTD and TOTALYTD are both DAX time intelligence functions in Power BI.

Common points:

1.can be used to calculate the year-to-date totals for a given metric. Specifically refer to the following format and link:

DATESYTD(<dates> [,<year_end_date>])

DATESYTD function (DAX) - DAX | Microsoft Learn

TOTALYTD(<expression>,<dates>[,<filter>][,<year_end_date>])

TOTALYTD function (DAX) - DAX | Microsoft Learn

2.There is an optional parameter <year_end_date>, if the value of this parameter is filled in "06/30", it means that the start of the calculation is July 1 of the current year, you can refer to the following link:

Basics of Time Intelligence in DAX for Power BI; Year to Date, Quarter to Date, Month to Date - RADA...

Different points:

1.The return value of DATESYTD is a table that contains a column of dates for that year-to-date in the current context.

TOTALYTD calculates the current calculation of the value of the expression in the context of the year-to-date value, return scalar results.

2.TOTALYTD can only add a filter, but DATESYTD and CALCULAT can be added in combination with a number of filter conditions, so DATESYTD more flexible than TOTALYTD. Although it is possible to add more than one filter using TotalYTD, it may make the expression a bit complicated, please refer to the following link for details:

The hidden secrets of TOTALYTD - SQLBI

If your Current Period does not refer to this, please clarify in a follow-up reply.

Best Regards,

Clara Gong

If this post helps, then please consider Accept it as the solution to help the other members find it more quickly.

[gmsamborn]

Hi @Rsing 

They are both time intelligence functions that rely on a well-formed date table.

These 2 measures return the same result.

YTD Sales =
	CALCULATE(
		[Sales],
		DATESYTD( 'Date'[Date] )
	)


YTD Sales 2 =
	TOTALYTD(
		[Sales],
		'Date'[Date]
	)

https://dax.guide/totalytd/

https://dax.guide/datesytd/

Let me know if you have any questions.