EDATE
The EDATE function adds or subtracts a specified number of months to a given date and returns the resulting date. It is useful for calculating future or past dates relative to a given date.
Example explanation
Column C uses the EDATE function to calculate the date that is a specific number of months after the initial date listed in column A.
Syntax 🔗
=EDATE(start_date, months)
start_date | The initial date from which the calculation begins. |
months | The number of months to add (positive) or subtract (negative) from the start date to determine the resulting date. |
About EDATE 🔗
Use the EDATE function to calculate dates in Excel by adding or subtracting a specific number of months from a starting date. This function helps you project future dates or analyze past dates, making it useful for financial planning, project management, or any task involving date calculations across different time periods.
Examples 🔗
To find a date that is 3 months after June 15, 2021, use the EDATE function: =EDATE("6/15/2021", 3). This will return September 15, 2021.
To calculate a date that is 6 months before December 10, 2021, apply the EDATE function: =EDATE("12/10/2021", -6). This will give you June 10, 2021.
Notes 🔗
Enter the start date in a valid Excel date format or reference a cell with a valid date. Use a positive number in the months argument to calculate future dates and a negative number for past dates. The EDATE function will adjust the year if the resulting month goes beyond December or before January.
Questions 🔗
Yes, the EDATE function can handle both positive values, which add months to the start date (to calculate future dates), and negative values, which subtract months from the start date (to determine past dates).
What happens if the resulting month exceeds or goes below the standard calendar range when using the EDATE function?If the resulting month surpasses December or goes below January when adding or subtracting months using the EDATE function, Excel automatically adjusts the year accordingly.
Is the EDATE function limited to specific date formats for the start date argument?No, the EDATE function is versatile in accepting various date formats for the start_date argument. You can input dates in standard date formats like "mm/dd/yyyy" or refer to cells containing valid date values.