Quick Answer
The answer is TOTALYTD and DATEADD. TOTALYTD is a valid DAX time intelligence function that computes the year-to-date running total of a measure, while DATEADD shifts dates forward or backward by a specified number of intervals such as days, months, or years. Both belong to DAX’s dedicated set of time intelligence functions, which require a properly marked date table with continuous dates to work correctly. On the Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst PL-300 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish genuine time intelligence functions from general date functions like TODAY or CALENDAR, which are not part of this set. A common trap is confusing DATEADD with EDATE or DATEDIFF, which are not time intelligence functions. For a quick memory tip, remember that valid time intelligence functions always return a table of dates or a scalar value based on a date range, not just a single date or calculation.
This PL-300 practice question tests your understanding of model the data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are valid DAX functions for time intelligence? (Select two.)
RANKX
Why wrong: RANKX is a ranking function.
DATEADD
DATEADD shifts dates by an interval.
CONCATENATEX
Why wrong: CONCATENATEX concatenates strings.
MINX
Why wrong: MINX is an iterator function.
TOTALYTD
TOTALYTD calculates year-to-date.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
DATEADD
DATEADD is a valid DAX time intelligence function that shifts dates forward or backward by a specified number of intervals (days, months, quarters, years). TOTALYTD is also a valid time intelligence function that calculates the year-to-date value of an expression. Both are part of the dedicated time intelligence function set in DAX, which requires a properly marked date table with continuous dates.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
RANKX
Why it's wrong here
RANKX is a ranking function.
DATEADD
Why this is correct
DATEADD shifts dates by an interval.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
CONCATENATEX
Why it's wrong here
CONCATENATEX concatenates strings.
MINX
Why it's wrong here
MINX is an iterator function.
TOTALYTD
Why this is correct
TOTALYTD calculates year-to-date.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Microsoft often tests the distinction between iterator functions (like RANKX, MINX, CONCATENATEX) and dedicated time intelligence functions (like DATEADD, TOTALYTD), causing candidates to confuse functions that perform row-by-row operations with those that manipulate date ranges.
Detailed technical explanation
Time intelligence functions in DAX rely on a date table marked as a date table in the model, with no gaps and a continuous range of dates. DATEADD internally shifts the current filter context by the specified interval and returns a table of dates, while TOTALYTD uses a built-in year-end calculation that respects the 'year end date' setting in the model. A subtle behavior: DATEADD can return unexpected results if the date table does not include all dates in the fact table's date range, leading to blank values.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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FAQ
Model the data — This question tests Model the data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: DATEADD — DATEADD is a valid DAX time intelligence function that shifts dates forward or backward by a specified number of intervals (days, months, quarters, years). TOTALYTD is also a valid time intelligence function that calculates the year-to-date value of an expression. Both are part of the dedicated time intelligence function set in DAX, which requires a properly marked date table with continuous dates.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
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Variation 1. Which TWO of the following are valid DAX functions for time intelligence?
easyWhy A: TOTALYTD is a valid DAX time intelligence function that calculates the year-to-date value of an expression, typically used with a date column to aggregate data from the start of the year to the current context. It requires a properly marked date table with continuous dates to function correctly.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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