Feature Request: Allow Dynamic Formulas for Parameter Default Values (e.g., Current Week)

Looker Q&A Looker
1

hi everyone.

I would like to request a feature to allow dynamic formulas within the “Default Value” field of a Parameter configuration.

Context: I am currently using a parameter to control the “Week Number” displayed in my report. My wish is for the report to automatically default to the Current Week whenever a user opens it, while still allowing them to use the parameter dropdown to select past weeks if needed.

Example:

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Problem: As shown in the attached screenshot, the “Default Value” field currently only accepts a static selection (I have to hard-select “49”).

Because of this limitation, I have to manually edit the report every single week to update the default value to the new week number. This prevents the report from being fully automated.

The Feature Request: It would be incredibly helpful if we could input a formula into the Default Value box, such as:

WEEK(TODAY())

MAX(Week_Number_Field)

This would allow reports to always initialize with the most relevant, up-to-date data, eliminating the need for manual weekly maintenance. I can also imagine that allowing functions like CASE statements in the default value field would unlock some cool advanced capabilities, such as dependent parameters and dynamic filtering logic.

If anyone knows of an existing native workaround for this, I would appreciate the help and feeckback.

Thanks!

2

Hey,

Hope you’re keeping well.

This isn’t currently supported in native Looker parameter configurations — the “Default Value” field only accepts static values. To approximate dynamic behavior, you can shift the logic into your LookML layer by creating a derived field or filter using functions like week(now()) or max() in a dimension, then reference that in your explore instead of relying on a parameter default. Another option is to use a dashboard filter with a default set via a dynamic query in the underlying LookML, which will pre-populate on load. For formal consideration, you should submit this through the Looker Ideas portal in the Help menu so the product team can track and evaluate it.

Thanks and regards,
Taz