When building reports in SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) or Report Builder, date parameters often allow users to filter data for specific periods. Setting a default date for a parameter can greatly enhance user experience by automatically displaying a relevant timeframe (like today’s date, the first day of the month, etc.) without manual input.
In this blog, we will learn how to easily set a default value for a date parameter in SSRS/Report Builder, along with examples and best practices.
Why Set a Default Date Parameter?
- Improves user experience by showing results immediately without requiring parameter selection.
- Reduces errors due to manual date selection.
- Speeds up report loading when default parameters filter large datasets.
- Useful for operational dashboards (e.g., Today’s Sales, This Month’s Revenue).
Step-by-Step Guide to Set Default Date Parameter
1. Create a Date Parameter
First, add a parameter to your SSRS or Report Builder report:
- Open your report.
- Right-click on Parameters > Add Parameter.
- Give your parameter a name, e.g., @StartDate @EndDate.
- Set Data Type as Date/Time.
2. Set the Default Values
Now, set the default value for your date parameter:
- In the parameter properties window, go to the Default Values tab.
- Select Specify values.
- Click Add and then Expression (fx button).
3. Write an Expression for Default Date
You can define an expression depending on the requirement:
| Requirement | Expression |
| Today’s Date | =Today() |
| First Day of Current Month | =DateSerial(Year(Today()), Month(Today()), 1) |
| Last Day of Current Month | =DateAdd(“d”, -1, DateSerial(Year(Today()), Month(Today()) + 1, 1)) |
| Yesterday’s Date | =DateAdd(“d”, -1, Today()) |
Example:
If you want the default date to be today, set the expression as:
=Today() 
4. Preview the Report
After setting the default value:
- Save and deploy (or run locally).
- When you open the report, the date parameter will be pre-filled with your default value!
Best Practices
- Dynamic Defaults: Use dynamic expressions like Today() or First Day of Month rather than hardcoding dates.
- Parameter Validation: If your report depends on date ranges (Start Date – End Date), make sure defaults maintain logical order (Start ≤ End).
- User Override: Allow users to override the default if they want to select different dates.
- Performance: Be cautious if setting defaults that cause large data pulls (e.g., no filters).
Conclusion
Setting default date parameters in SSRS or Report Builder makes your reports smarter, faster, and more user-friendly. Whether you want the report to always show today’s data or the current month’s overview, using simple expressions will automate this process effectively.
By following this guide, you can easily create dynamic, professional reports without burdening your users with extra clicks!
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Authored By:
Rahul Prajapati
Sr. Data Analyst