How to Use One Date Filter for Multiple Data Sources in Looker Studio (Without Linking Tables)
- Brittany
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 15
Easily Use One Date Filter Across Multiple Data Sources in Looker Studio | Looker Studio Expert Tips
If you’ve ever built a dashboard in Google Looker Studio (formerly Data Studio), you’ve probably wondered: “How do I make one date filter control multiple charts from different data sources?”
Maybe you’re building a QuickBooks KPI dashboard or a client-facing CFO dashboard, pulling data from several tools—each with its own table, format, and quirks. If you’re coming from Power BI, you might expect to create a custom date table or build a complex data model.
But in Looker Studio? It’s way easier than that.
Let’s break it down.
One Date Filter. Multiple Sources. No Linking Tables.
Looker Studio lets you use a single Date Range Control to filter charts—even if they come from totally separate data sources.
The trick? Each chart just needs to use its own date field—and the date range control will still work, like dashboard magic.
No joining. No blending. No custom date tables. (And no panicked calls to your Fractional Analyst. But we’re here if you want backup!)
Step-by-Step: How to Use One Date Filter for Multiple Data Sources
1. Add the Date Range Control
This is the filter that will control the visible date range across all your charts.
Go to the top menu and click “Insert” > “Date range control”
Click on your canvas to place it anywhere you like
Optional: Style it to match your dashboard design
You only need one of these per page. This will filter every chart it can—based on their own date fields.
2. Verify That Each Chart Has a Date Dimension
Here’s where the behind-the-scenes work matters. Each chart you want to be filtered needs a proper date field.
Click on your first chart
In the Data panel on the right:
Under Dimension, make sure a date-type field is selected (look for calendar icons)
It might be something like Transaction Date, Invoice Date, or Created At, depending on your source
Repeat this for your other charts
These date fields don’t need to match exactly across sources. As long as they’re date-type fields, Looker Studio will know how to filter them.
3. Make Sure Each Data Source Has a Compatible Date Field
Go to Resource > Manage added data sources
Click “Edit” next to each data source
Scroll to find your intended date field
Ensure the field type is set to “Date” or “Date & Time”
If not, click the pencil icon to change the type
Without a date-type field, your charts won’t respond to the filter.
4. Test It Out!
Click on your Date Range Control
Use the calendar picker to choose a new range (e.g., Last 30 days)
Watch as all connected charts update—each using their own data source, but filtering together
That’s it. No data blends. No joins. No drama.
When You’d Use This
This tip is perfect when:
You’re pulling revenue data from one system and expense data from another
You’re managing multiple clients with different reporting setups
You’re trying to keep a dashboard simple and performant without over-engineering your data model
If you’re acting as a Fractional Financial Analyst or running a lean ops team, this one trick can keep your dashboards streamlined while still delivering insights.
Why This Works
Looker Studio applies the Date Range Control globally to all charts on a page—but only if each chart has a valid date dimension. It doesn’t care whether the data sources are connected. As long as a chart has a filterable date field, it’ll respond.
It’s simple. It’s powerful. It makes your life easier.
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If you're thinking:
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“I need more than one filter, one KPI, or one spreadsheet.”
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Stay data driven, friends!
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