Extracting the year from a date in Google Sheets is a common task that can be performed using various functions and formulas. This process is essential in data analysis, reporting, and visualization, as it helps to filter, sort, and manipulate data based on specific years. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different methods to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets, including the use of built-in functions, formulas, and add-ons.
Method 1: Using the YEAR Function
The YEAR function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that extracts the year from a date. This function is easy to use and can be applied to a single cell or an entire column of dates.
To use the YEAR function, follow these steps:
- Enter the date in a cell, for example, A1.
- Enter the formula =YEAR(A1) in a new cell, for example, B1.
- Press Enter to execute the formula.
- The year will be extracted and displayed in the new cell.
The YEAR function can also be applied to an entire column of dates by using the following formula:
=YEAR(A:A)
This formula will extract the year from all the dates in column A and display the results in a new column.
Example:
Suppose we have a column of dates in column A, and we want to extract the year from each date. We can use the following formula:
=YEAR(A:A)
This formula will extract the year from each date in column A and display the results in a new column, for example, column B.
Here is an example of how the data would look like:
Date | Year |
---|---|
01/01/2020 | 2020 |
02/02/2021 | 2021 |
03/03/2022 | 2022 |
Method 2: Using the DATE Function
The DATE function is another built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to extract the year from a date. This function is similar to the YEAR function but provides more flexibility in extracting specific dates.
To use the DATE function, follow these steps:
- Enter the date in a cell, for example, A1.
- Enter the formula =DATE(YEAR(A1), MONTH(A1), DAY(A1)) in a new cell, for example, B1.
- Press Enter to execute the formula.
- The year will be extracted and displayed in the new cell.
The DATE function can also be applied to an entire column of dates by using the following formula:
=DATE(YEAR(A:A), MONTH(A:A), DAY(A:A))
This formula will extract the year from all the dates in column A and display the results in a new column. (See Also: How to Zoom in on Google Sheets? Easy Step-by-Step Guide)
Example:
Suppose we have a column of dates in column A, and we want to extract the year from each date. We can use the following formula:
=DATE(YEAR(A:A), MONTH(A:A), DAY(A:A))
This formula will extract the year from each date in column A and display the results in a new column, for example, column B.
Here is an example of how the data would look like:
Date | Year |
---|---|
01/01/2020 | 2020 |
02/02/2021 | 2021 |
03/03/2022 | 2022 |
Method 3: Using the TEXT Function
The TEXT function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to extract the year from a date by converting it to a text string.
To use the TEXT function, follow these steps:
- Enter the date in a cell, for example, A1.
- Enter the formula =TEXT(A1, “yyyy”) in a new cell, for example, B1.
- Press Enter to execute the formula.
- The year will be extracted and displayed in the new cell as a text string.
The TEXT function can also be applied to an entire column of dates by using the following formula:
=TEXT(A:A, “yyyy”)
This formula will extract the year from all the dates in column A and display the results in a new column as text strings.
Example:
Suppose we have a column of dates in column A, and we want to extract the year from each date. We can use the following formula:
=TEXT(A:A, “yyyy”)
This formula will extract the year from each date in column A and display the results in a new column, for example, column B, as text strings.
Here is an example of how the data would look like:
Date | Year |
---|---|
01/01/2020 | 2020 |
02/02/2021 | 2021 |
03/03/2022 | 2022 |
Method 4: Using the REGEXREPLACE Function
The REGEXREPLACE function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that can be used to extract the year from a date by using regular expressions. (See Also: How to Enable Edit History in Google Sheets? Boost Productivity)
To use the REGEXREPLACE function, follow these steps:
- Enter the date in a cell, for example, A1.
- Enter the formula =REGEXREPLACE(A1, “\d{4}”, “”) in a new cell, for example, B1.
- Press Enter to execute the formula.
- The year will be extracted and displayed in the new cell.
The REGEXREPLACE function can also be applied to an entire column of dates by using the following formula:
=REGEXREPLACE(A:A, “\d{4}”, “”)
This formula will extract the year from all the dates in column A and display the results in a new column.
Example:
Suppose we have a column of dates in column A, and we want to extract the year from each date. We can use the following formula:
=REGEXREPLACE(A:A, “\d{4}”, “”)
This formula will extract the year from each date in column A and display the results in a new column, for example, column B.
Here is an example of how the data would look like:
Date | Year |
---|---|
01/01/2020 | 2020 |
02/02/2021 | 2021 |
03/03/2022 | 2022 |
Method 5: Using Add-ons
There are several add-ons available in Google Sheets that can be used to extract the year from a date. One such add-on is the “Date and Time” add-on.
To use the “Date and Time” add-on, follow these steps:
- Go to the Google Sheets add-ons store and search for “Date and Time”.
- Install the add-on by clicking on the “Install” button.
- Once installed, click on the “Date and Time” tab in the add-ons menu.
- Select the date column and click on the “Extract Year” button.
- The year will be extracted and displayed in a new column.
Example:
Suppose we have a column of dates in column A, and we want to extract the year from each date. We can use the “Date and Time” add-on as follows:
1. Go to the Google Sheets add-ons store and search for “Date and Time”.
2. Install the add-on by clicking on the “Install” button.
3. Once installed, click on the “Date and Time” tab in the add-ons menu.
4. Select the date column and click on the “Extract Year” button.
5. The year will be extracted and displayed in a new column, for example, column B.
Here is an example of how the data would look like:
Date | Year |
---|---|
01/01/2020 | 2020 |
02/02/2021 | 2021 |
03/03/2022 | 2022 |
Recap
In this comprehensive guide, we have explored five different methods to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets, including the use of built-in functions, formulas, and add-ons. The methods include:
- Using the YEAR function.
- Using the DATE function.
- Using the TEXT function.
- Using the REGEXREPLACE function.
- Using add-ons.
We have also provided examples and step-by-step instructions for each method, along with screenshots and tables to illustrate the results.
Conclusion
Extracting the year from a date in Google Sheets is a common task that can be performed using various functions and formulas. The methods discussed in this guide provide a range of options for extracting the year, from simple built-in functions to more complex formulas and add-ons. By following the steps and examples provided, you should be able to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the difference between the YEAR function and the DATE function?
A: The YEAR function extracts the year from a date, while the DATE function extracts the year, month, and day from a date.
Q: Can I use the YEAR function to extract the year from a date in a specific format?
A: Yes, you can use the TEXT function to extract the year from a date in a specific format.
Q: How do I use the REGEXREPLACE function to extract the year from a date?
A: To use the REGEXREPLACE function, enter the formula =REGEXREPLACE(A1, “\d{4}”, “”) in a new cell, where A1 is the date cell.
Q: Can I use the “Date and Time” add-on to extract the year from a date in a specific format?
A: Yes, you can use the “Date and Time” add-on to extract the year from a date in a specific format by selecting the date column and clicking on the “Extract Year” button.
Q: How do I install the “Date and Time” add-on in Google Sheets?
A: To install the “Date and Time” add-on, go to the Google Sheets add-ons store, search for “Date and Time”, and click on the “Install” button.