Converting numerical dates to readable text formats in Google Sheets can significantly enhance the presentation and usability of your data. This transformation allows for easier comprehension, sorting, and filtering of date information.
How to Change Number Date to Text in Google Sheets
Google Sheets stores dates as numbers, which can be inconvenient for displaying or analyzing them in a human-readable format. Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods to convert these numerical dates into text representations.
Methods for Date Conversion
- Using the DATEVALUE Function
- Using the TEXT Function
- Formatting Cells as Text
Each method offers unique advantages and can be tailored to your specific needs. We will explore each technique in detail, providing step-by-step instructions and examples to guide you through the process.
How To Change Number Date To Text In Google Sheets
Google Sheets is a powerful tool for data analysis and manipulation. One common task is converting numerical dates to text format. This can be useful for formatting reports, creating labels, or integrating data with other applications. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to achieve this in Google Sheets.
Methods for Converting Dates to Text
There are several methods to change number dates to text in Google Sheets, each with its own advantages depending on your specific needs:
1. Using the TEXT Function
The TEXT function is the most versatile method for formatting dates. It allows you to specify the desired date format using a format code. (See Also: How Do You Do Subtraction In Google Sheets)
- Syntax: `=TEXT(value, format_text)`
- value: The cell containing the numerical date.
- format_text: A text string specifying the desired date format.
Here are some common format codes:
- “mm/dd/yyyy” – Example: `=TEXT(A1, “mm/dd/yyyy”)` will display 01/15/2023
- “dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy” – Example: `=TEXT(A1, “dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy”)` will display Monday, January 15, 2023
- “yyyy-mm-dd” – Example: `=TEXT(A1, “yyyy-mm-dd”)` will display 2023-01-15
You can find a complete list of format codes in Google Sheets help documentation.
2. Using the TO_TEXT Function
The TO_TEXT function is a simpler alternative to TEXT, primarily used for converting dates to text in a specific format.
- Syntax: `=TO_TEXT(value)`
- value: The cell containing the numerical date.
TO_TEXT will display the date in the default format used by your system.
3. Custom Formatting
You can also apply custom formatting to a column containing dates to change their appearance without changing the underlying data type. (See Also: How To Make Cells Bigger In Excel Google Sheets)
- Select the column containing the dates.
- Click on the “Format” menu and choose “Number”.
- Select “Date” from the category list and choose your desired format from the options provided.
This method allows you to visually present dates as text while maintaining their numerical representation for calculations.
Recap
Converting number dates to text in Google Sheets is a straightforward process with multiple methods available. The TEXT function offers the most flexibility, allowing you to specify a custom format. TO_TEXT provides a simpler approach for converting dates to the default system format. Custom formatting allows you to change the visual appearance of dates without altering their data type. Choose the method that best suits your needs and easily transform your numerical dates into readable text.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I convert a date number to text in Google Sheets?
You can easily change a date number to text in Google Sheets using the TEXT function. For example, if your date is in cell A1, you can use the formula `=TEXT(A1,”MMMM dd, yyyy”)` to display it as “Month dd, year”. You can customize the format by changing the text string inside the quotes.
What if I want to display the date in a different format?
The TEXT function allows you to specify various date formats. You can find a list of supported formats in Google Sheets help documentation. For example, to display the date as “yyyy-mm-dd”, use `=TEXT(A1,”yyyy-mm-dd”)`.
Can I convert multiple dates at once?
Absolutely! You can apply the TEXT function to a range of cells. For example, if your dates are in cells A1 to A10, use `=TEXT(A1:A10,”MMMM dd, yyyy”)` to convert all of them to text in the specified format.
What happens to the date after I convert it to text?
Once you convert a date to text, it’s no longer recognized as a date by Google Sheets. This means you won’t be able to perform date-specific calculations or sorting on the converted text.
Is there a way to reverse the conversion back to a date?
Yes, you can use the DATEVALUE function to convert text back into a date. For example, if your date text is in cell B1, use `=DATEVALUE(B1)` to get the corresponding date value.