Excel DAX - Understanding DAX Functions

In Excel 2013, DAX has 246 functions. You have already learnt about the different types of DAX functions in the chapter – DAX Functions. However, if you have to use a DAX function in a DAX formula, you need to understand the function in detail. You should know the syntax of the function, the parameter types, what the function returns, etc.

If you are writing a DAX formula, it is suggested to use the DAX functions where apppcable. For this, you can refer to the tutorial – DAX Functions in this tutorials pbrary for an indepth understanding of where and how to use each of the 246 DAX functions. You can always go back and forth between this tutorial and DAX Functions tutorial to obtain mastery on DAX.

In this chapter, you will understand how to read and interpret the DAX functions in the DAX Functions tutorial.

DAX Function – Explanation Structure

In the DAX functions tutorial, each DAX function is explained in a standard structure, comprising of the following sections −

Description

Syntax

Parameters

Return Value

Remarks

Example

You will learn about each of these in the following sections.

Description

In the Description section, you will learn what the DAX function is about and where it can be used.

Syntax

In the Syntax section, you will learn the exact function name and the respective parameters.

Parameters

In the Parameters section, you will learn about each of the parameters of the specific DAX function, whether a parameter is an input or an output and if there are any options. As seen in the chapter - DAX Standard Parameters, only the standard parameter names will be used.

Return Value

In the Return Value section, you will learn about what value the DAX function will return and its data type.

Remarks

In the Remarks section, you will learn about any extra information that you need to know about the usage of the DAX function.

Example

The DAX function description will be ended with an example of the usage of the function.