In a formula-type column, the function MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS() returns the most recent date among the values in a column, including columns containing multiple dates, such as fields of the Linked Table Column type.
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Date function name:
MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS()
Syntax
MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS(column1, column2, column3)
Calling function parameters in TimeTonic:
- $field_name = field (link, linked table column, number, selection, formula, text...).
- "free text" = free text to add within quotation marks.
- do not use quotation marks for numbers.
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
column |
The column containing one or more dates. It can be a Link to another table column or a Linked Table Column returning dates. |
Example
MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS($Dates1, $Dates2, $Dates3)
The column returns the most recent date among the linked dates.
I applied the MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS formula to the three Date columns to get the most recent date among the three.
Return type
The function returns a date.
The output type format of the result can be configured in the output field options of the formula editor. For more details, see Output format options in the Formula Column article.
Business use case
MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS() identifies the latest deadline in a set: last activity of a file, actual project end date based on its linked tasks.
Best practice
Combine MIN_DATE_ELEMENTS() and MAX_DATE_ELEMENTS() to bracket a period, then measure it with DAY_DELTA().