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How to Convert Dates in Excel?

Are you having difficulty converting dates in Excel? If so, you have come to the right place! In this article, we will discuss the basics of using Microsoft Excel to convert dates from one format to another. We will look at how to convert dates between the standard US date format (MM/DD/YYYY) and the international standard ISO format (YYYY-MM-DD), as well as how to convert dates between other date formats. By the end of this article, you should have a better understanding of how to convert dates in Excel and be able to successfully convert any date format with ease. So grab your calculator and let’s get started!

How to Convert Dates in Excel?

Converting Dates in Excel

Converting dates in Excel is a common task that requires some knowledge of how Excel handles dates. By understanding the various ways to convert dates in Excel, you can quickly and easily make changes to your data. This article will provide an overview of the different ways to convert dates in Excel and explain how to do it.

Using the Text to Columns Tool

The Text to Columns tool is one of the easiest ways to convert dates in Excel. This tool allows you to separate text into different columns based on certain formatting rules. To use the Text to Columns tool, select the cells containing the date, then click on Data > Text to Columns. You will then be presented with a dialog box that allows you to specify the delimiter that separates the date into different parts. After selecting the delimiter, click OK to apply the changes.

The Text to Columns tool is a great option if you need to quickly convert a date into separate columns. However, it is important to note that this tool can only separate text into different columns, not modify the date format itself. If you want to change the date format, you will need to use a different method.

Using the Date Function

The Date function is a powerful tool that can be used to convert dates in Excel. This function allows you to convert text or numbers into a date format. To use the Date function, select the cell containing the date, then enter the formula =Date(year, month, day). The year, month, and day arguments must be numerical values.

Once the formula is entered, the cell will display the date in the specified format. This is a great option if you need to quickly convert a date into a different format. It is also an easy way to ensure that the date is entered in the correct format.

Using the Convert Function

The Convert function is another useful tool that can be used to convert dates in Excel. This function allows you to convert a date from one format to another. To use the Convert function, select the cell containing the date, then enter the formula =Convert(date, from_format, to_format). The date argument is the date that you want to convert, the from_format argument is the format of the date that you are converting from, and the to_format argument is the format that you want to convert to.

The Convert function is a great option if you need to convert a date from one format to another. It is also an easy way to ensure that the date is entered in the correct format.

Using the Format Cells Option

The Format Cells option is a great way to quickly change the format of a date in Excel. To use the Format Cells option, select the cell containing the date, then click on Format > Cells. You will then be presented with a dialog box that allows you to select the date format that you want to use. Once the format is selected, click OK to apply the changes.

The Format Cells option is a great option if you need to quickly change the format of a date in Excel. It is also an easy way to ensure that the date is entered in the correct format.

Using the Date Picker Option

The Date Picker option is a great way to quickly enter a date into a cell in Excel. To use the Date Picker option, select the cell containing the date, then click on the Date Picker icon. This will open a calendar that allows you to select the date that you want to enter. Once the date is selected, click OK to apply the changes.

The Date Picker option is a great option if you need to quickly enter a date into a cell in Excel. It is also an easy way to ensure that the date is entered in the correct format.

Related Faq

What is a date in Excel?

A date in Excel is a numerical value that represents a specific day, month, and year, which can be formatted to appear in a variety of ways. Dates are stored as numbers, with the value representing the number of days since a specific date, usually January 1, 1900.

How do I convert a date to a number in Excel?

To convert a date to a number in Excel, you can use the DATEVALUE function. This function takes a date value as an argument, and returns the corresponding number representing the date. For example, the formula =DATEVALUE(“1/1/2020”) would return the number 43831, which represents the number of days since January 1, 1900.

How do I convert a number to a date in Excel?

To convert a number to a date in Excel, you can use the DATE function. This function takes a number as an argument, and returns the corresponding date value. For example, the formula =DATE(2020,1,1) would return the date 1/1/2020.

How do I format a date in Excel?

To format a date in Excel, you can use the Format Cells dialog box. To open this box, select the cell you want to format and then click Format > Cells. In the Format Cells dialog box, select the Date category and then select a date format that you want to use. You can also select Custom to create a custom date format.

How can I convert multiple dates to numbers in Excel?

To convert multiple dates to numbers in Excel, you can use the Fill Handle. Select the cell with the first date and then drag the Fill Handle across the range of cells with the dates you want to convert. This will fill the range with the corresponding numbers for the dates.

How can I convert multiple numbers to dates in Excel?

To convert multiple numbers to dates in Excel, you can use the Fill Handle. Select the cell with the first number and then drag the Fill Handle across the range of cells with the numbers you want to convert. This will fill the range with the corresponding dates for the numbers.

Excel date conversion

Having gone through the steps to convert dates in Excel, you should now have a good understanding of how to work with dates in the program. Excel is a powerful tool and with a bit of practice, you can quickly become an expert in converting dates. Just remember to pay attention to the format of the dates you are working with, as well as the formula you are using to convert them. With the right knowledge, you can easily convert dates in Excel.