DATEVALUE
The DATEVALUE function in Excel is used to convert a date that is stored as text to a serial number representing the date in Excel's date-time code. This is useful when working with dates in text format and needing to perform date calculations or analysis.
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 🔗
When you have dates stored as text and need to utilize them in your Excel calculations, the DATEVALUE function comes to the rescue. It functions as a conversion tool, transforming text representations of dates into Excel's internal date-time code, allowing you to perform date-specific operations with ease and precision. This feature proves particularly beneficial when manipulating date data that is not formatted as Excel's recognizable date serial numbers but is essential for your analysis and computations.
Examples 🔗
If you have a cell containing the text '12/31/2022' and you want to convert it to a serial number that Excel recognizes as a date, you can use the formula: =DATEVALUE(A1)
Similarly, if your date is in the format '15-Mar-2023', you can convert it to a serial number using: =DATEVALUE('15-Mar-2023')
Notes 🔗
Ensure that the Date_text provided to the DATEVALUE function is in a recognizable date format. Excel is flexible in recognizing various date formats, but it's always advisable to stick to standard formats to avoid any conversion errors. Double-check the output serial numbers to ensure 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.