Datevalue: Excel Formulae Explained

Are you frustrated by working with Excel Dates? DATEVALUE is here to the rescue! Easily convert dates and times from text to numerical values with this powerful and versatile formula. Learn how to use this critical tool to make your Excel experience simpler and quicker.

Understanding the Importance of DATEVALUE in Excel Formulas

DATEVALUE is a function that turns text dates (e.g., “January 2022”) into serial numbers that Excel can understand. You might need it if you import data from outside sources or if it’s formatted wrong. Else Excel won’t calculate properly.

If you work with data sets with events and activities on certain dates, you need to use DATEVALUE. For example, two people join an org. on Jan 12th, but one is recorded as 01/12/22 and the other as January 12th, 2022. Excel treats them differently, so you need to convert them using DATEVALUE.

The function is essential when dealing with spreadsheets from clients in different formats or working out durations like how long someone’s been employed. Microsoft support says it converts text dates to serial numbers that Excel can use.

In the next paragraph, we’ll look at DATEVALUE and its syntax.

Basic Introduction to DATEVALUE and its Syntax

DATEVALUE is a built-in function in Microsoft Excel. It converts a date string into a serial number. Its syntax is simple. It takes date text and returns a serial number. This allows us to work with dates efficiently.

The syntax of DATEVALUE has two arguments. The ‘date_text’ is a cell or range containing date text. The ‘format_text’ is used if your data source isn’t US English.

An example: cell A1 contains “03/01/2022” as text. Then, =DATEVALUE(A1) returns 44461. This number is the date 03-01-2022 (dd-mm-yyyy format).

The table below shows other Date & Time functions:

Function	Use
TODAY()	Returns current date
NOW()	Returns current time
DATE(year,month,date)	Constructs a date
TIME(hour,min,sec)	Constructs a time

The inputs for the formula must match Excel’s short date pattern setting in Windows International settings. This may need to be changed if you live outside North America.

So, we now know what DATEVALUE is and how it works. To improve functionality and avoid errors, use other Date & Time functions in MS Excel.

Exploring DATEVALUE with Examples

I’m an Excel enthusiast always on the lookout for methods to make data management more straightforward. DATEVALUE is one such tool I’ve used frequently. It’s a great way to format dates, convert text and numbers to dates, and more. I’ll illustrate how to use DATEVALUE with real-world examples. We’ll cover how to format dates, transform text to dates, and modify numbers to dates. With these tips, you’ll be able to maximize the power of DATEVALUE and make your Excel projects more effective.

Formatting Dates with DATEVALUE: Applying Formats to Dates

Data analysis often needs dates to be formatted. Excel’s DATEVALUE gives users formats for dates, making them easier to use. Let’s look at this process.

We can make a table as an example of how DATEVALUE works. In the first column, we have unformatted dates (e.g. 01/04/2019). In the second column, we put in the formula =DATEVALUE(A2) which transforms the date into a serial number code that Excel knows. The third column shows this serial number with ‘Ctrl+Shift+#’ formatting the date (e.g. April-01-19).

When using DATEVALUE, it’s important to remember a few things.

1. Different formats need different codes or symbols, depending on the region.
2. The original data needs to be text or in a proper date format to avoid errors.

Formatting isn’t just about looks. It affects how people understand data. With DATEVALUE and experimentation, accuracy and readability can be improved.

Don’t miss this tool! It has the power to help users format dates and develop data analysis. DATEVALUE is essential for anyone working with Excel.

Now, let’s explore another application of DATEVALUE – turning text strings into dates.

Using Text Strings with DATEVALUE: Convert Text to Dates

Convert text to dates in Excel using text strings with DATEVALUE. Follow these 3 steps:

1. Select the cell where you want to enter the converted date.
2. Type in the formula =DATEVALUE(“datestring”), replacing “datestring” with the actual date.
3. Press Enter and see your date converted!

This is especially useful when you need to perform calculations or sort by date. Ensure that your conversion works properly by keeping your datestring in a consistent format.

Excel stores dates as serial numbers. The default format for displaying them is based on regional settings, but you can change it to any custom date format you prefer.

To quickly convert multiple cells at once, copy the formula down the column after entering it into the first cell. Excel will adjust each formula for each cell based on its position relative to the original formula.

Using Numbers with DATEVALUE: Convert Numbers to Dates.

Using Numbers with DATEVALUE: Converting Numbers to Dates

Ever needed to convert numbers into dates? Excel’s got you covered! There’s a function called DATEVALUE that can do the job. Here’s a guide on how to use it:

1. Step 1 – Open the sheet and select the cell where the date will go.
2. Step 2 – Click the cell, then type =DATEVALUE(
3. Step 3 – Input the serial number or cell reference.
4. Step 4 – Type )
5. Step 5 – Press Enter.

It’s not hard to use DATEVALUE with numbers. The formula converts numbers to dates according to Microsoft’s standard (January 1st, 1900). Excel also handles time as fractions of a day. For instance, noon is 0.5.

If you’re still unsure how it works, copy-paste any date value into an empty cell. Change its formatting to General. You’ll see each cell’s date value and serial number.

If the value is text (eg. 20-Jan-21), wrap the whole formula in VALUE before passing it to DATEVALUE (eg. =DATEVALUE(VALUE(“20-Jan-21”))).

Now you know the basics of using numbers with DATEVALUE. Let’s move onto advanced techniques!

Advanced Techniques with DATEVALUE

Do you use Excel for work or play? If so, you know dealing with dates can be annoying. Excel has a range of date functions that can help. DATEVALUE is an often overlooked, yet useful function. In this section, I’ll teach advanced ways to use DATEVALUE. We’ll see how it works with TODAY to determine today’s date. We’ll also use IF to control date values. Plus, we’ll explore using DATEVALUE and YEAR together to get the year from a date. These DATEVALUE techniques can improve your Excel skills and save you time.

Using DATEVALUE with TODAY Function: Calculating Today’s Date

You can use the DATEVALUE with TODAY Function to calculate today’s date. Here’s how:

1. Open your Excel workbook and select the cell where you want to enter today’s date.
2. Type ‘TODAY()’ in the cell, then press ‘ENTER’.
3. A serial number for today’s date will appear in the selected cell.
4. To convert it to an actual date format, enter ‘=DATEVALUE(TODAY())’ in the formula bar and hit ‘ENTER’.
5. Today’s date will now appear in a recognizable format.

Using DATEVALUE with TODAY Function can be beneficial for time-sensitive data. For instance, in a project deadline spreadsheet, this formula can make tracking deadlines easier. Plus, the formula updates automatically each day – no further action from the user is needed.

Businesses often use such formulas to keep clients updated on project progress and ensuring deadlines are met on time.

You can also use DATEVALUE with IF Function to control conditional date values.

Using DATEVALUE with IF Function: Controlling Conditional Date Values

Start by selecting a cell and typing: =IF(logical_test,value_if_true,value_if_false).

You can use this for columns of dates with incomplete or invalid entries. Replace them with a placeholder using the logical test: =IF(ISERROR(DATEVALUE(A2)), “(Enter Valid Date)”, A2).

Or, change the formatting style or display format of a date based on its value: =IF(A4>DATE(2020,7,31), TEXT(A4,”DD-MMM-YYYY”), TEXT(A4,”DD/MM/YYYY”)).

Also, use an IF function with AND/OR statements to define complex situations: =IF(AND(B2>=TODAY(), B2<=DATE(2021,1,31)), “Active”, “Expired”).

Finally, drag and fill down to copy the formulas to all rows in the column.

Optimizing formulas with DATEVALUE and IF functions will help you manage time schedules, meet deadlines and monitor deliveries progress. Plus, use DATEVALUE with YEAR Function to extract year from a date! It’ll come handy too!

Using DATEVALUE with YEAR Function: Extracting Year from a Date

To use DATEVALUE with YEAR Function for extracting year from a date, first select the cell for the year to appear. Then, type the equal sign and “YEAR” followed by an open parenthesis “(“ and click on the cell with the date value, and then close the parenthesis “)”. Finally, press enter and the year will be extracted.

Be aware that the YEAR function only works on cells with dates; it won’t work on text or blank cells. Additionally, check your system settings to make sure they are set up to recognize dates correctly.

It’s also useful to know that not only can the YEAR function be used to extract years from cells, but it can also be used with other functions like MONTH and DAY to extract specific parts of a date.

Troubleshooting DATEVALUE Errors and Best Practices is something else to consider when working with dates in Excel.

Troubleshooting DATEVALUE Errors and Best Practices

Are you an Excel enthusiast? If so, chances are you’ve come across the DATEVALUE function. It’s simple: it converts a text string into a date value. But using it can be tricky, often resulting in errors in your calculations. So let’s dive into troubleshooting these errors and learn the best practices for using this function correctly. We’ll start by discussing common DATEVALUE errors, their causes, and possible fixes to avoid data discrepancy. Then, we’ll look at tips and tricks to help you save time and reduce errors with DATEVALUE in your Excel sheets.

Common DATEVALUE Errors: Causes and Fixes

Encountered errors with Excel’s DATEVALUE function? You’re not alone! Common causes & fixes are simple. It could be that the input value isn’t in the right format for Excel’s date functions. To stop this, make sure your data is formatted correctly.

Another issue could be that your analysis includes encoded items like blank spaces. To solve this, delete any unwanted characters or spaces from your data before using the function. Check for hidden leading or trailing white spaces too.

Also, if you’re inferring dates from text labels, Excel’s functions might not recognize them as valid dates. To fix this, compare your texts’ settings to Excel’s built-in list of date formats. Or, you could adjust them based on what you want.

A true story can help us understand common DATEVALUE errors. Susie had to develop a project proposal for her boss but struggled when importing old records. This was due to formatting issues – including DATEVALUE errors. She spent hours fixing it until she found the source and addressed it.

To save time & increase productivity, Best Practices for Using DATEVALUE: Tips & Tricks are key. We can use various tricks to prevent errors: provide date values as references to cells, or circle dates from external sources so we can spot incomplete values or inappropriate characters.

Best Practices for Using DATEVALUE: Tips and Tricks

For consistent and accurate results when using the DATEVALUE function, consider these best practices:

• Ensure dates are in a consistent format.
• Remove any leading or trailing spaces with the TRIM function.
• Identify and handle any non-date values with error handling functions such as IFERROR or ISNUMBER.
• Use data validation to ensure only valid dates are entered.

Also, double-check formulas before applying them, solve errors on paper, and use descriptive cell references instead of hard-coded values. Following these tips will help you get the most out of DATEVALUE and save time when working with date data in Excel.

FAQs about Datevalue: Excel Formulae Explained

What is DATEVALUE in Excel?

DATEVALUE is a function in Excel that converts a text string representing a date into a serial number that Excel recognizes as a date.

How do I use DATEVALUE?

To use the DATEVALUE function, type =DATEVALUE(cell reference) in a cell where you want to display the converted date. Replace “cell reference” with the cell containing the text string representing the date you want to convert.

Can I use DATEVALUE to convert multiple dates at once?

Yes, you can use the DATEVALUE function to convert multiple dates at once by copying the formula to the cells containing the text strings you want to convert.

What if DATEVALUE doesn’t recognize my date format?

If DATEVALUE doesn’t recognize your date format, you can try changing the format of the cell containing the text string representing the date. Select the cell, then click on the “Number Format” dropdown and choose “Short Date” or “Long Date”.

Can I use DATEVALUE to convert time as well?

No, the DATEVALUE function only converts text strings representing dates. To convert text strings representing time, you can use the TIMEVALUE function.

Can I use DATEVALUE with conditional formatting?

Yes, you can use DATEVALUE in conditional formatting rules to highlight cells with certain date criteria. Just create a new conditional formatting rule, select “Use a formula to determine which cells to format”, and enter a formula using DATEVALUE.