---
url: /cube-functions/parent.md
description: >-
  Returns the name of the direct parent element based on the specified
  dimension, hierarchy, element and index of the parent.
---

# PARENT

Returns the name of the direct parent element based on the specified dimension, hierarchy, element and index of the parent.

```js
PARENT(dimension, hierarchy, child, parent_index)
```

#### Parameters

* `dimension` - The name of the dimension.
* `hierarchy` - The name of the hierarchy.
* `child` - The name of the child element. (This is )
* `parent_index` - The index (number) of the child to return. This is based on a 1-based indexing system.

#### Examples

```js
PARENT("Time", "Default", "2019 - Jan", 1)
```

**Result:** `2019 - Q1`

```js
PARENT("Time", "Month YTD", "2019 - Jan", 3)
```

**Result:** `2019 - Mar YTD`