Extracting month names from dates in Google Sheets can be incredibly useful for various tasks, such as analyzing trends, categorizing data, or creating dynamic reports. Whether you’re working with a large dataset or simply need to identify the month associated with a specific date, knowing how to do this efficiently can save you time and effort.
Overview
This guide will walk you through different methods for obtaining month names from dates in Google Sheets. We’ll explore both simple formulas and more advanced techniques, catering to various skill levels and use cases. By the end, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to extract month names and leverage this information effectively in your spreadsheets.
Methods Covered
- Using the MONTH Function
- Using the TEXT Function
- Using the DATEVALUE and MONTH Functions
How To Get Month Name From Date In Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers a variety of functions to manipulate dates and extract specific information from them. One common task is retrieving the month name from a given date. This can be helpful for various purposes, such as categorizing data, creating reports, or performing date-based calculations.
Using the MONTH Function
The simplest way to get the month name from a date in Google Sheets is by using the MONTH function. This function returns the month number as an integer, ranging from 1 to 12. You can then use this number to look up the corresponding month name using a lookup table or another function.
Here’s how to use the MONTH function:
- Select the cell where you want the month name to appear.
- Type the following formula, replacing “A1” with the cell containing the date:
=MONTH(A1) (See Also: How To Add Bullet Points In Google Sheets On Mac)
Using the TEXT Function
The TEXT function provides a more direct way to extract the month name from a date. It allows you to format a date according to a specified pattern.
Here’s how to use the TEXT function to get the month name:
- Select the cell where you want the month name to appear.
- Type the following formula, replacing “A1” with the cell containing the date:
=TEXT(A1, “MMMM”)
In this formula, “MMMM” is the format code that specifies the full month name. You can use other format codes to customize the output, such as “MMM” for the abbreviated month name or “MM” for the month number. (See Also: How To Open An Excel File With Google Sheets)
Recap
This article demonstrated two methods for extracting the month name from a date in Google Sheets: the MONTH function and the TEXT function. The MONTH function returns the month number, while the TEXT function allows for direct formatting of the month name. Choose the method that best suits your needs and formatting preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Get Month Name from Date in Google Sheets
How can I extract the month name from a date in Google Sheets?
You can use the MONTH and TEXT functions in combination to get the month name from a date. For example, if your date is in cell A1, you can use the formula `=TEXT(A1,”MMMM”)` to display the full month name (e.g., “January”).
What if I only want the abbreviated month name?
To get the abbreviated month name, use the formula `=TEXT(A1,”MMM”)`. This will return the three-letter abbreviation (e.g., “Jan”).
Can I get the month number from a date?
Yes, you can use the MONTH function alone to extract the numerical month value. For example, `=MONTH(A1)` will return the number 1 for January, 2 for February, and so on.
What happens if the date format in my cell is not recognized?
Make sure the date format in your cell is recognized by Google Sheets. You can check and change the format in the “Format” menu. If the format is incorrect, the TEXT function might not work as expected.
Are there any other ways to get the month name from a date?
Yes, you can use the DATEVALUE and MONTH functions together. For example, `=MONTH(DATEVALUE(A1))` will also return the numerical month value. However, using TEXT is generally more convenient for displaying the month name.