DATE_TRUNC in SQL Server - Examples & AI Generator

DATE_TRUNC is a powerful SQL function for rounding dates to a specified time unit—extremely useful for time-based grouping or reporting. However, there’s a catch: SQL Server does not natively support the DATE_TRUNC function found in databases like PostgreSQL. Developers must use alternative approaches, such as combinations of DATEADD, DATEDIFF, and FORMAT. Manually memorizing these workarounds for every use case can slow you down. AI2sql lets you generate accurate SQL Server DATE_TRUNC-equivalent queries in seconds—no coding or syntax recall needed.

DATE_TRUNC Syntax in SQL Server

Since SQL Server lacks a direct DATE_TRUNC function, typical patterns use DATEADD and DATEDIFF. Here’s a general approach:

-- Truncate to start of the desired datepart
DATEADD([datepart], DATEDIFF([datepart], 0, [date_column]), 0)

• [datepart]: 'year', 'month', 'day', 'hour', etc.

• [date_column]: the date you want to truncate.

DATE_TRUNC Examples You Can Generate Instantly

Skip manual syntax. See how these business scenarios use SQL Server equivalents for DATE_TRUNC:

Truncate Order Dates to Month Start

SELECT OrderID, DATEADD(month, DATEDIFF(month, 0, OrderDate), 0) AS OrderMonth
FROM Orders;

Count New Customers by Year

SELECT DATEADD(year, DATEDIFF(year, 0, SignupDate), 0) AS SignupYear,
       COUNT(CustomerID) AS TotalNewCustomers
FROM Customers
GROUP BY DATEADD(year, DATEDIFF(year, 0, SignupDate), 0);

Sales Per Day (Truncate Timestamp to Day)

SELECT DATEADD(day, DATEDIFF(day, 0, SaleTimestamp), 0) AS SaleDay,
       SUM(Amount) AS TotalSales
FROM Sales
GROUP BY DATEADD(day, DATEDIFF(day, 0, SaleTimestamp), 0);

Generate DATE_TRUNC queries in 10 seconds with AI2sql

Why Use AI2sql Instead of Manual DATE_TRUNC Coding

• No syntax to memorize: AI2sql interprets your intent and generates SQL Server-ready statements.

• Speed: Complex DATE_TRUNC queries are ready in 10 seconds—no manual coding or searching required.

• Consistency: AI2sql delivers accurate output for every supported SQL dialect, saving you hours across projects.

• Trusted by 50,000+ users in 80+ countries for production SQL automation.

Want to try it on your own data? Try AI2sql Generator or Learn DATE_TRUNC.

FAQ: DATE_TRUNC for SQL Server

• Does SQL Server have a native DATE_TRUNC function?
  No—SQL Server requires equivalent logic using DATEADD and DATEDIFF.

• What’s the difference between DATE_TRUNC and FORMAT in SQL Server?
  FORMAT is for string formatting, not date truncation. Use DATEADD/DATEDIFF for logic matching DATE_TRUNC.

• Is AI2sql compatible with SQL Server?
  Yes—AI2sql is optimized for SQL Server and dozens of other databases, adjusting syntax as needed.

Conclusion

DATE_TRUNC-like queries are essential for grouping and reporting in SQL Server, but their syntax can differ from other platforms. Don’t lose time looking up the correct approach—AI2sql instantly translates your requirements into production-ready SQL. Join over 50,000 users already speeding up their data workflows. Generate Your First Query Now.