Excel Date Guides
When a date formula behaves unexpectedly, check what the cell stores before changing the formula. A displayed date may be text, while a timestamp may contain both a date and a time. Start with conversion or extraction for imported data, then use the calculation guide to understand how Excel works with the resulting values. The function references provide syntax you can use while adapting the examples to your own sheet.
Prepare dates for calculations
- Convert text into a date
Check imported values and turn date strings into Excel dates.
- Extract the date from a timestamp
Separate the date part before grouping or comparing records.
- Understand date and time calculations
Work through the values behind Excel's date and time display.
Check function syntax
- DATE function reference
Build a date from its year, month, and day.
- DATEVALUE function reference
Check the arguments and limitations when converting a date string.
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