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DP-600 · 2.2.8 · Prepare data

Convert data types

Convert column data types

Convert columns early with CAST, , CONVERT, or Power Query so joins, sorting, and downstream models use reliable types.

The core idea

Column data type conversion in Fabric showing staging text converted to typed values with CAST, TRY_CAST, CONVERT, and Power Query Change type.

Correct data types early in the pipeline. They affect joins, sorting, arithmetic, modeling, and report behavior.

Use CAST when invalid values should fail the statement. returns instead, which lets good rows continue while bad values remain visible for inspection.

CONVERT adds style options. In Power Query, Change type using locale handles region-specific text dates and numbers.

Key points

  • CAST: conversion failure raises an error
  • : conversion failure returns
  • CONVERT: adds style options such as date formats
  • Power Query: Change type can use a locale

Click an underlined term for a one-line explanation, or see them all in the glossary .

Exam trap

Joining a number and text with + converts the text to a number, not the number to text, because int outranks varchar. Cast the number to varchar yourself.

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