How to Convert Text to Date in Excel

Are you tired of dealing with 'text dates' in your Microsoft Excel spreadsheet? Do you struggle to sort your table by date or use those 'text dates' in formulas, PivotTables, charts, and other Excel tools that recognize dates? If so, this article is for you. We'll explore the common signs that indicate an entry is a text value instead of a real date, and provide you with easy ways to convert text to date in Excel.

Identifying Text Dates

When importing data into Excel, it's not uncommon to encounter 'text dates' that look like normal Excel dates but don't behave like them. These entries may appear as numbers or strings of characters, but they're actually being treated by Excel as text values. Here are a few signs that can help you determine whether an entry is a date or a text value:

* The Status Bar only shows 'Count' when several text dates are selected.

* The General format displays in the Number Format box on the Home tab > Number.

* There may be a leading apostrophe visible in the formula bar.

* If several dates are selected, the Status Bar shows Average, Count, and SUM.

Why Convert Text to Date?

Text dates can cause problems when you try to sort your table by date or use those 'text dates' in formulas, PivotTables, charts, or other Excel tools that recognize dates. By converting text to date, you can:

* Sort your table by date properly

* Use the 'text dates' in formulas, PivotTables, charts, and other Excel tools that recognize dates

* Take advantage of Excel's built-in date functions and features

Converting Text to Date: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are several ways to convert text to date in Excel. Here are some easy techniques:

1. Using the Text to Columns Feature: The Text to Columns feature can help you convert text dates into actual dates. To do this, select the column containing the 'text dates,' go to the Data tab > Text to Columns, and follow the prompts.

2. Using Excel Functions: You can use Excel functions like DATEVALUE, TIMEVALUE, or DATEDIF to convert text to date. For example, you can use the DATEVALUE function to convert a text string that represents a date into an actual date.

Converting text to date in Excel is easier than you think. By understanding how to identify 'text dates' and using the techniques outlined in this article, you'll be able to sort your table by date properly, use those 'text dates' in formulas, PivotTables, charts, and other Excel tools that recognize dates. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, these tips will help you master the art of converting text to date in Excel.

Free SPSS 26 License Code

If you need help with converting text to date in SPSS, feel free to use this free license code for SPSS 26: . This license code is valid for personal or educational use only.

Spss 26 license code free