DATEVALUE
The DATEVALUE function converts a date stored as text into a serial number that represents the date in Excel's date-time format. This function is useful for performing calculations or analysis on dates in text format.
Example explanation
Cells B2 to B4 use the DATEVALUE function to convert text strings representing dates into Excel date serial numbers.
Syntax 🔗
=DATEVALUE(Date_text)
Date_text | The date in text format that you want to convert to a serial number. This can be in various date formats like 'mm/dd/yyyy', 'dd-mmm-yyyy', 'yyyy-mm-dd', etc. |
About DATEVALUE 🔗
If you have dates stored as text and need to use them in your Excel calculations, the DATEVALUE function can help. It converts text representations of dates into Excel's internal date-time code, allowing you to perform date-specific operations. This is useful when working with date data that isn't formatted as Excel's date serial numbers but is important for your analysis and computations.
Examples 🔗
To convert a date in the text format '12/31/2022' in cell A1 to a serial number, use the formula: =DATEVALUE(A1)
For a date written directly in the formula like '15-Mar-2023', convert it to a serial number with: =DATEVALUE("15-Mar-2023")
Notes 🔗
Make sure the Date_text you provide to the DATEVALUE function is in a recognizable date format. While Excel can recognize various formats, it's best to use standard formats to prevent conversion errors. Verify the output serial numbers to confirm they represent the correct dates after conversion.
Questions 🔗
The DATEVALUE function in Excel is versatile in recognizing various date formats, including 'mm/dd/yyyy', 'dd-mmm-yyyy', 'yyyy-mm-dd', and other standard date representations. It can handle a wide range of date formats commonly used in different regions.
Can DATEVALUE handle dates in different languages or regional settings?Yes, DATEVALUE can handle dates in different languages or regional settings as long as the date text conforms to a recognizable format in Excel. It is date format-sensitive rather than language-specific, making it adaptable to different regional date conventions.
Is there a limitation on the range of dates that can be converted using DATEVALUE?The DATEVALUE function in Excel can convert dates within the accepted date range of January 1, 1900, to December 31, 9999. Dates outside this range may not be accurately processed and could result in errors or unexpected outputs.