Conversion Functions in Power Automate

🔄 Conversion Functions in Power Automate

Conversion functions in Power Automate are essential when working with different data types. Whether you’re converting strings to numbers, dates to text, or parsing JSON into usable values, these functions ensure your flow interprets data correctly.

By mastering conversion functions in Power Automate, you can streamline processes, prevent errors, and ensure compatibility across services like SharePoint, Dataverse, Excel, and external APIs.

📚 Why Use Conversion Functions in Power Automate?

You’ll need conversion functions when:

Data types from connectors don’t match required formats
You need to transform inputs before using them
Converting numeric strings into actual numbers
Parsing boolean, datetime, or currency fields
Formatting data for user-facing emails, approvals, or messages

💼 Real-World Use Cases for Conversion Functions

Use Case	Description
Convert string `"100"` to number for math operations	Use `int()` or `float()`
Format a timestamp to `MM/dd/yyyy`	Use `formatDateTime()`
Convert `"True"` to actual boolean	Use `bool()`
Parse a currency field and round	Use `float()` + `formatNumber()`
Convert object to JSON string	Use `string()` on JSON object

🔧 Common Conversion Functions in Power Automate

Here’s a detailed list of the most useful conversion functions in Power Automate, including syntax and examples:

Function	Purpose	Syntax	Example
`int()`	Converts value to integer	`int('123')`	`123`
`float()`	Converts to decimal number	`float('123.45')`	`123.45`
`string()`	Converts value to string	`string(123)`	`'123'`
`bool()`	Converts to true/false	`bool('true')`	`true`
`array()`	Converts comma-separated string to array	`array('a,b,c')`	`['a','b','c']`
`json()`	Parses string to object	`json('{"name":"Alice"}')`	Object
`formatNumber()`	Formats number as string	`formatNumber(1000, '##,###')`	`'1,000'`
`formatDateTime()`	Formats datetime string	`formatDateTime(utcNow(), 'yyyy-MM-dd')`	`'2025-08-07'`
`ticks()`	Converts datetime to ticks	`ticks(utcNow())`	Long integer
`fromBase64()`	Decodes base64 to binary	`fromBase64(base64String)`	Binary
`base64()`	Encodes string to base64	`base64('Power')`	Encoded string

🧪 Practical Examples of Conversion Functions

1. Convert Numeric Input from Text Field

int(triggerBody()?['Score'])

Use Case: Allows comparison or mathematical operations on form inputs.

2. Format a Currency Field for Email

formatNumber(float(triggerBody()?['Total']), 'C2')

Use Case: Sends a nicely formatted currency in an email like $1,000.00.

3. Convert Boolean String to Actual Boolean

bool(triggerBody()?['Confirmed'])

Use Case: Drives conditional logic like approvals or toggles.

4. Convert and Parse JSON Response

json(outputs('HTTP_Response')?['body'])

Use Case: Extracts nested fields for further use in the flow.

5. Create an Array from a String

split('One,Two,Three', ',')

Note: Use split() instead of array() for better control.

✅ Best Practices for Using Conversion Functions in Power Automate

✅ Always validate data before converting (e.g., use empty() or coalesce())
✅ Use float() instead of int() when dealing with decimal values
✅ Wrap json() calls in try/catch logic or validate inputs to avoid runtime errors
✅ Avoid chaining too many conversions in one expression—use Compose for readability
✅ Use formatDateTime() and formatNumber() for user-facing outputs

⚠️ Common Pitfalls with Conversion Functions

Problem	Cause	Fix
Flow fails on null input	Applying `int()` or `float()` on null	Use `coalesce()` to provide fallback
Incorrect string formatting	Using `int()` on `"123.45"`	Use `float()` instead
Date parsing errors	Using wrong format	Use `formatDateTime()` with correct pattern
JSON errors	Parsing invalid JSON string	Use `try/catch` logic or test with `isJSON()` custom logic

📘 Summary: When to Use Conversion Functions in Power Automate

Use conversion functions in Power Automate when:

Working across connectors with mismatched data types
Formatting numbers and dates for user communication
Validating and transforming API responses
Ensuring type consistency for expressions and conditions
Parsing complex structures like JSON and arrays

Curriculum

Conversion Functions in Power Automate