How to Convert Date to Number in Excel?

Knowing how to convert a date to a number in Excel can be an incredibly versatile tool for any professional. Whether you need to convert dates for sorting, calculating age, or performing complex analysis, the ability to convert dates to numbers in Excel is a valuable skill. In this article, we will discuss the various ways to convert dates to numbers in Excel, including both built-in functions and manual methods. We’ll also provide some examples of how you can use date-to-number conversion in your own analyses. With the help of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently convert dates to numbers in Excel in no time!

Convert Date to Number in Excel

Excel is a powerful spreadsheet application that allows you to do a variety of operations with data. One of the most common operations is converting a date to a number. This can be useful for sorting data, performing calculations, and more. In this article, we’ll explain how to convert a date to a number in Excel.

Using Excel’s Date to Number Function

The easiest way to convert a date to a number in Excel is by using the built-in “Date to Number” function. This function takes a date as an input and returns a number as an output. To use this function, select the cell containing the date and then type “=Date to Number(A1)” (where A1 is the cell containing the date). The result will be a number representing the date.

Using the Custom Format Feature

Another way to convert a date to a number in Excel is by using the “Custom Format” feature. This feature allows you to specify a custom format for the cell containing the date. To use this feature, select the cell containing the date and then select “Format Cells” from the “Format” menu. In the “Format Cells” window, select “Custom” from the “Category” list. Then enter “0” in the “Type” box. This will cause Excel to display the date as a number.

Using the Text to Columns Feature

You can also convert a date to a number in Excel by using the “Text to Columns” feature. This feature allows you to convert a text string into separate columns. To use this feature, select the cell containing the date and then select “Text to Columns” from the “Data” menu. In the “Text to Columns” window, select “Delimited” from the “Original Data Type” list and then select “Delimiters” from the “Delimiters” list. Then select “Space” from the “Delimiters” list and click “OK”. This will cause Excel to display the date as a number.

Using the Date Function

The “Date” function in Excel can also be used to convert a date to a number. This function takes a date as an input and returns the serial number of the date. To use this function, select the cell containing the date and then type “=date(A1)” (where A1 is the cell containing the date). The result will be a number representing the date.

Using the DAYS360 Function

The “DAYS360” function in Excel can also be used to convert a date to a number. This function takes two dates as an input and returns the number of days between the two dates. To use this function, select the cell containing the date and then type “=DAYS360(A1, B1)” (where A1 is the cell containing the start date and B1 is the cell containing the end date). The result will be a number representing the difference between the two dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the formula for converting dates to numbers in Excel?

The formula for converting dates to numbers in Excel is =DATEVALUE(date_text). This function takes a date in the text format, such as “10/31/2020” and converts it to the corresponding number, such as “44245”.

How do I use the DATEVALUE function in Excel?

The DATEVALUE function is used to convert a date in text format to a corresponding number in Excel. To use the function, you enter the date you wish to convert in quotes, such as “10/31/2020”, and then press enter. The resulting number will be the corresponding number for that date.

What is the difference between Excel’s DATEVALUE function and its VALUE function?

The DATEVALUE function is used to convert a date in text format to a number, while the VALUE function is used to convert text that contains numbers to a number. For example, if you enter “10/31/2020” into the VALUE function, it will return a number, such as “44245”, but it will not convert the date to a number. The DATEVALUE function is specifically designed to do this.

What if the date I want to convert is not in the correct format?

If the date you wish to convert is not in the correct format, such as “31/10/2020” instead of “10/31/2020”, you can use the TEXT function to convert it to the correct format. To do this, you would enter =TEXT(date, “mm/dd/yyyy”) into the cell, and then use the DATEVALUE function to convert it to a number.

What are some other ways I can use the DATEVALUE function in Excel?

The DATEVALUE function can be used in a variety of ways in Excel. For example, it can be used to calculate the difference between two dates, or to calculate the number of days between two dates. Additionally, it can be used to calculate the age of a person, or to calculate a future date based on a given number of days.

Are there any limitations to using the DATEVALUE function in Excel?

Yes, there are some limitations to using the DATEVALUE function in Excel. For example, it only works with dates in the text format, and it only works with dates in the Gregorian calendar. Additionally, it cannot be used to calculate dates in the future or in the past, and it cannot convert dates in formats other than text.

Excel date conversion

By learning how to convert date to number in Excel, you can take advantage of the powerful features and functions of Excel to analyze and manipulate your data. Whether you are a novice or a professional user, you can now use Excel to make data analysis easier and more efficient. With the help of this tutorial, you can now easily convert date to number in Excel, making it easier to work with and analyze your data.