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PL-300 · 2.2.3 · Model the data

Time intelligence measures

Implement time intelligence measures

shifts or accumulates date context to compare periods or running totals.

Shift or accumulate time

Power BI report matrix showing time-intelligence results such as year-over-year calculations.

A prior-year comparison shifts the selected dates. A year-to-date calculation collects dates from the start of the year through the current date.

Sales PY =
CALCULATE([Total Sales], SAMEPERIODLASTYEAR('Date'[Date]))

A proper shared keeps these calculations consistent.

Separate shifting from accumulating

Use date-shifting functions when the comparison is another period, such as previous month or previous year. Use accumulation functions when the question asks for a running period total such as year to date.

Both patterns depend on reliable date context. A shared date table keeps period boundaries and consistent across .

Exam clue: “same period earlier” means shift; “since start of year” means accumulation.

Key points

  • : shifts the current date selection
  • : shifts exactly one year back
  • : returns dates from year start
  • : evaluates a year to date

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

Exam trap

shifts dates; it does not accumulate values from the start of the year.

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Checked on October 4, 2026. Report a problem

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