Changing the date order in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone who works with dates in spreadsheets. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a hobbyist, you’ll likely encounter situations where you need to manipulate dates in a specific way. Google Sheets is a powerful tool that allows you to perform various operations on dates, including changing their order. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to change the date order in Google Sheets, including using formulas, formatting options, and add-ons.
Why Change Date Order in Google Sheets?
There are several reasons why you might need to change the date order in Google Sheets. For example, you might have a list of birthdays in chronological order, but you want to display them in reverse chronological order. Or, you might have a dataset with dates in a specific format, but you need to change the format to match a particular requirement. Whatever the reason, Google Sheets provides several ways to change the date order, making it a versatile and powerful tool for data manipulation.
Using Formulas to Change Date Order
One of the most common ways to change the date order in Google Sheets is by using formulas. Google Sheets provides several functions that allow you to manipulate dates, including the `DATE` function, the `TODAY` function, and the `NOW` function. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these functions to change the date order in Google Sheets.
The DATE Function
The `DATE` function is used to create a date from separate year, month, and day values. The syntax for the `DATE` function is `DATE(year, month, day)`. For example, to create a date from the year 2022, month 12, and day 25, you would use the formula `=DATE(2022, 12, 25)`. This formula returns the date December 25, 2022.
Using the DATE Function to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `DATE` function, you can use the `DATE` function in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of dates in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the dates. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of dates in reverse chronological order.
The TODAY Function
The `TODAY` function returns the current date. The syntax for the `TODAY` function is `TODAY()`. For example, to return the current date, you can use the formula `=TODAY()`. This formula returns the current date.
Using the TODAY Function to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `TODAY` function, you can use the `TODAY` function in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of dates in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the dates. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of dates in reverse chronological order.
The NOW Function
The `NOW` function returns the current date and time. The syntax for the `NOW` function is `NOW()`. For example, to return the current date and time, you can use the formula `=NOW()`. This formula returns the current date and time.
Using the NOW Function to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `NOW` function, you can use the `NOW` function in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of dates in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the dates. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of dates in reverse chronological order.
Using Formatting Options to Change Date Order
Another way to change the date order in Google Sheets is by using formatting options. Google Sheets provides several formatting options that allow you to change the date order, including the `DATE` format, the `TIME` format, and the `DURATION` format. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these formatting options to change the date order in Google Sheets. (See Also: How to Make Boxes in Google Sheets Bigger? Easy Solutions)
The DATE Format
The `DATE` format is used to display dates in a specific format. The syntax for the `DATE` format is `DATE(year, month, day)`. For example, to display the date December 25, 2022, in the format MM/DD/YYYY, you can use the formula `=DATE(2022, 12, 25)` and format the cell as `MM/DD/YYYY`. This formula returns the date December 25, 2022, in the format MM/DD/YYYY.
Using the DATE Format to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `DATE` format, you can use the `DATE` format in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of dates in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the dates. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of dates in reverse chronological order.
The TIME Format
The `TIME` format is used to display times in a specific format. The syntax for the `TIME` format is `TIME(hour, minute, second)`. For example, to display the time 12:00:00 PM in the format HH:MM:SS AM/PM, you can use the formula `=TIME(12, 0, 0)` and format the cell as `HH:MM:SS AM/PM`. This formula returns the time 12:00:00 PM in the format HH:MM:SS AM/PM.
Using the TIME Format to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `TIME` format, you can use the `TIME` format in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of times in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the times. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of times in reverse chronological order.
The DURATION Format
The `DURATION` format is used to display durations in a specific format. The syntax for the `DURATION` format is `DURATION(years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds)`. For example, to display the duration 1 year, 2 months, 3 days, 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS, you can use the formula `=DURATION(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)` and format the cell as `YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS`. This formula returns the duration 1 year, 2 months, 3 days, 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
Using the DURATION Format to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `DURATION` format, you can use the `DURATION` format in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of durations in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the durations. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of durations in reverse chronological order.
Using Add-ons to Change Date Order
Another way to change the date order in Google Sheets is by using add-ons. Google Sheets provides several add-ons that allow you to manipulate dates, including the `Date Format` add-on, the `Time Format` add-on, and the `Duration Format` add-on. In this section, we’ll explore how to use these add-ons to change the date order in Google Sheets.
The Date Format Add-on
The `Date Format` add-on is used to display dates in a specific format. The syntax for the `Date Format` add-on is `DATE(year, month, day)`. For example, to display the date December 25, 2022, in the format MM/DD/YYYY, you can use the formula `=DATE(2022, 12, 25)` and format the cell as `MM/DD/YYYY`. This formula returns the date December 25, 2022, in the format MM/DD/YYYY. (See Also: How Much Does Google Sheets Cost? The Ultimate Breakdown)
Using the Date Format Add-on to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `Date Format` add-on, you can use the `Date Format` add-on in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of dates in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the dates. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of dates in reverse chronological order.
The Time Format Add-on
The `Time Format` add-on is used to display times in a specific format. The syntax for the `Time Format` add-on is `TIME(hour, minute, second)`. For example, to display the time 12:00:00 PM in the format HH:MM:SS AM/PM, you can use the formula `=TIME(12, 0, 0)` and format the cell as `HH:MM:SS AM/PM`. This formula returns the time 12:00:00 PM in the format HH:MM:SS AM/PM.
Using the Time Format Add-on to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `Time Format` add-on, you can use the `Time Format` add-on in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of times in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the times. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of times in reverse chronological order.
The Duration Format Add-on
The `Duration Format` add-on is used to display durations in a specific format. The syntax for the `Duration Format` add-on is `DURATION(years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds)`. For example, to display the duration 1 year, 2 months, 3 days, 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS, you can use the formula `=DURATION(1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)` and format the cell as `YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS`. This formula returns the duration 1 year, 2 months, 3 days, 4 hours, 5 minutes, and 6 seconds in the format YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS.
Using the Duration Format Add-on to Change Date Order
To change the date order in Google Sheets using the `Duration Format` add-on, you can use the `Duration Format` add-on in combination with the `SORT` function. For example, to sort a list of durations in chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, TRUE)`, where `A:A` is the range of cells containing the durations. To sort the list in reverse chronological order, you can use the formula `=SORT(A:A, 1, FALSE)`. This formula returns the list of durations in reverse chronological order.
Conclusion
Changing the date order in Google Sheets is an essential skill for anyone who works with dates in spreadsheets. Google Sheets provides several ways to change the date order, including using formulas, formatting options, and add-ons. In this article, we’ve explored the different ways to change the date order in Google Sheets, including using the `DATE` function, the `TODAY` function, the `NOW` function, the `DATE` format, the `TIME` format, and the `DURATION` format. We’ve also explored how to use add-ons to change the date order in Google Sheets. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can change the date order in Google Sheets with ease.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the key points discussed in this article:
- Google Sheets provides several ways to change the date order, including using formulas, formatting options, and add-ons.
- The `DATE` function is used to create a date from separate year, month, and day values.
- The `TODAY` function returns the current date.
- The `NOW` function returns the current date and time.
- The `DATE` format is used to display dates in a specific format.
- The `TIME` format is used to display times in a specific format.
- The `DURATION` format is used to display durations in a specific format.
- Google Sheets provides several add-ons that allow you to manipulate dates, including the `Date Format` add-on, the `Time Format` add-on, and the `Duration Format` add-on.
FAQs
Q: How do I change the date order in Google Sheets?
A: You can change the date order in Google Sheets by using formulas, formatting options, or add-ons. For example, you can use the `DATE` function, the `TODAY` function, the `NOW` function, the `DATE` format, the `TIME` format, or the `DURATION` format to change the date order.
Q: How do I use the `DATE` function to change the date order?
A: To use the `DATE` function to change the date order, you can use the formula `=DATE(year, month, day)`, where `year`, `month`, and `day` are the values you want to use to create the date. For example, to create a date from the year 2022, month 12, and day 25, you can use the formula `=DATE(2022, 12, 25)`.
Q: How do I use the `TODAY` function to change the date order?
A: To use the `TODAY` function to change the date order, you can use the formula `=TODAY()`, which returns the current date.
Q: How do I use the `NOW` function to change the date order?
A: To use the `NOW` function to change the date order, you can use the formula `=NOW()`, which returns the current date and time.
Q: How do I use the `DATE` format to change the date order?
A: To use the `DATE` format to change the date order, you can use the formula `=DATE(year, month, day)` and format the cell as `MM/DD/YYYY`, where `year`, `month`, and `day` are the values you want to use to create the date.
Q: How do I use the `TIME` format to change the date order?
A: To use the `TIME` format to change the date order, you can use the formula `=TIME(hour, minute, second)` and format the cell as `HH:MM:SS AM/PM`, where `hour`, `minute`, and `second` are the values you want to use to create the time.
Q: How do I use the `DURATION` format to change the date order?
A: To use the `DURATION` format to change the date order, you can use the formula `=DURATION(years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds)` and format the cell as `YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS`, where `years`, `months`, `days`, `hours`, `minutes`, and `seconds` are the values you want to use to create the duration.