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Parse dates examples in Power Query

Learn practical Power Query Parse dates examples with M code, UI steps, common mistakes, FAQs and copy-ready transformation patterns.

Updated 2026-06-125 practical examplesCopy-ready M code

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When to use this Power Query pattern

Use this pattern when the same data preparation step needs to happen every time a file, table or report refreshes.

Syntax or pattern

Date.From([OrderDate])

Typical UI steps

  1. Open Power Query Editor.
  2. Select the relevant column or query.
  3. Apply the transformation from the ribbon or formula bar.
  4. Review the generated step.
  5. Check data types and row counts before loading.
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5 practical examples

1

Use Parse dates in a sales report

This example shows how to use Parse dates when preparing a sales report.

Date.From([OrderDate])

Use this pattern when the sales report needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

2

Use Parse dates in a customer list

This example shows how to use Parse dates when preparing a customer list.

Date.From([OrderDate])

Use this pattern when the customer list needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

3

Use Parse dates in a inventory export

This example shows how to use Parse dates when preparing a inventory export.

Date.From([OrderDate])

Use this pattern when the inventory export needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

4

Use Parse dates in a monthly dashboard

This example shows how to use Parse dates when preparing a monthly dashboard.

Date.From([Date])

Use this pattern when the monthly dashboard needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

5

Use Parse dates in a operations tracker

This example shows how to use Parse dates when preparing a operations tracker.

Date.From([OrderDate])

Use this pattern when the operations tracker needs a repeatable transformation instead of manual cleanup.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Changing types before cleaning text values such as blanks, currency symbols or commas.
  • Using locale-sensitive conversions without checking date and decimal formats.
  • Assuming every row can be converted without handling errors.

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FAQ

When should I use Parse dates in Power Query?

Use Parse dates when the transformation should be repeatable every time the data refreshes.

Can I do Parse dates from the Power Query interface?

Usually yes. The interface creates the M code for many common transformations, and you can adjust it in the formula bar or Advanced Editor.

Should I edit the M code manually?

Edit M manually when the interface cannot express the pattern clearly, or when you need reusable logic, parameters or cleaner step names.