Understanding the Difference Between “Last” and “Past” in Relative Date Filters

In the context of relative date filters, the terms “last” and “past” are often used. However, they have distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate data analysis and interpretation.

Definition of “Last”

“Last” refers to the period immediately preceding the present or a specified point in time. It is used in relation to completed calendar years or other discrete time intervals. For instance, “last year” refers to the most recent completed year before the current one.

Definition of “Past”

On the other hand, “past” refers to any time before the present moment, regardless of whether it’s a completed year or a specific interval. It can encompass various time frames, including days, months, years, or other durations.

Examples

To better understand the difference between “last” and “past”, consider the following examples:

• Last 1 Year: Refers to the previous full year from January 1 to December 31. For example, if the current year is 2023, “last 1 year” would refer to the period from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2022.
• Past 1 Year: Refers to exactly one year ago from the current date. For example, if today’s date is August 23, 2023, “past 1 year” would refer to the period from August 23, 2022, to August 23, 2023.

The same logic applies to other time intervals.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between “last” and “past” in relative date filters is crucial for accurate data analysis. While “last” refers to the most recent completed time interval, “past” refers to a specific duration before the present moment.

Additional References

• Relative date in Bold BI
• Relative date filter based on minutes