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How To Insert A Date In Google Sheets? Easily

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Inserting a date in Google Sheets is a fundamental task that can be performed in various ways, depending on the specific requirements of your spreadsheet. Whether you’re creating a calendar, tracking events, or analyzing data, dates are an essential element in Google Sheets. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the different methods of inserting dates in Google Sheets, including using the built-in date functions, formatting cells, and using add-ons. We will also cover advanced techniques, such as using formulas and functions to manipulate dates, and provide tips and best practices for working with dates in Google Sheets.

Method 1: Using the Built-in Date Functions

The most straightforward way to insert a date in Google Sheets is by using the built-in date functions. These functions allow you to create a date from scratch or extract a date from a cell. The most commonly used date functions in Google Sheets are:

  • TODAY() – Returns the current date.
  • DATE(year, month, day) – Creates a date from the specified year, month, and day.
  • DATE(year, month) – Creates a date from the specified year and month.
  • DATE(year) – Creates a date from the specified year.
  • EDATE(date, days) – Adds a specified number of days to a date.
  • YEARDAY(date) – Returns the day of the year for a date.
  • WORKDAY(start_date, days, [holidays]) – Returns a date that is a specified number of workdays from a start date.

To use these functions, simply type the function name in a cell, followed by the required arguments. For example, to create a date from the current year, month, and day, you can use the following formula:

DATE(YEAR(TODAY()), MONTH(TODAY()), DAY(TODAY()))

This formula will return the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Using the TODAY() Function

The TODAY() function is a convenient way to insert the current date in Google Sheets. This function returns the current date and time, but you can format the output to display only the date. To do this, you can use the DATE function in combination with the TODAY() function, as shown in the previous example.

Using the DATE Function

The DATE function allows you to create a date from the specified year, month, and day. This function is useful when you need to create a date that is not the current date. For example, you can use the following formula to create a date that is 10 years from the current date:

DATE(YEAR(TODAY()) + 10, MONTH(TODAY()), DAY(TODAY()))

This formula will return a date that is 10 years from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Using the EDATE Function

The EDATE function allows you to add a specified number of days to a date. This function is useful when you need to calculate a future date based on a given date. For example, you can use the following formula to add 30 days to the current date:

EDATE(TODAY(), 30)

This formula will return a date that is 30 days from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Method 2: Formatting Cells

Another way to insert a date in Google Sheets is by formatting a cell to display a date. This method is useful when you need to display a date in a specific format. To format a cell to display a date, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell that you want to format.
  2. Go to the “Format” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Number” and then select “Date” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Choose the date format that you want to use.

For example, to format a cell to display a date in the format MM/DD/YYYY, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell that you want to format.
  2. Go to the “Format” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Number” and then select “Date” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Choose the format “MM/DD/YYYY” from the dropdown menu.

This will format the cell to display the date in the format MM/DD/YYYY. (See Also: How to Add Title to Graph in Google Sheets? Easy Step Guide)

Using the Custom Number Format

The custom number format allows you to create a custom date format. To use the custom number format, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell that you want to format.
  2. Go to the “Format” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Number” and then select “Custom number format” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Enter the custom format that you want to use.

For example, to create a custom date format that displays the date in the format DD/MM/YYYY, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell that you want to format.
  2. Go to the “Format” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Number” and then select “Custom number format” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Enter the format “DD/MM/YYYY” in the custom format field.

This will format the cell to display the date in the format DD/MM/YYYY.

Method 3: Using Add-ons

Google Sheets offers a range of add-ons that can help you insert dates in your spreadsheet. These add-ons can perform tasks such as creating calendars, tracking events, and analyzing data. To use an add-on, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Add-ons” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Get add-ons” and search for the add-on that you want to use.
  3. Click on the add-on that you want to use and follow the installation instructions.

Some popular add-ons for inserting dates in Google Sheets include:

  • Calendar
  • Google Calendar
  • Time Doctor
  • Harvest

Using the Calendar Add-on

The Calendar add-on allows you to create a calendar in your Google Sheet. This add-on is useful when you need to track events and appointments. To use the Calendar add-on, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Add-ons” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Get add-ons” and search for the Calendar add-on.
  3. Click on the Calendar add-on and follow the installation instructions.

Once you have installed the Calendar add-on, you can create a calendar by following these steps:

  1. Select the range of cells where you want to create the calendar.
  2. Go to the “Add-ons” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Calendar” and select “Create calendar” from the dropdown menu.

This will create a calendar in the selected range of cells.

Method 4: Using Formulas and Functions

Google Sheets offers a range of formulas and functions that can help you insert dates in your spreadsheet. These formulas and functions can perform tasks such as calculating dates, extracting dates, and manipulating dates. To use a formula or function, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the formula or function in a cell.
  2. Press Enter to execute the formula or function.

Some popular formulas and functions for inserting dates in Google Sheets include:

  • TODAY() – Returns the current date.
  • DATE(year, month, day) – Creates a date from the specified year, month, and day.
  • DATE(year, month) – Creates a date from the specified year and month.
  • DATE(year) – Creates a date from the specified year.
  • EDATE(date, days) – Adds a specified number of days to a date.
  • YEARDAY(date) – Returns the day of the year for a date.
  • WORKDAY(start_date, days, [holidays]) – Returns a date that is a specified number of workdays from a start date.

Using the TODAY() Function

The TODAY() function is a convenient way to insert the current date in Google Sheets. This function returns the current date and time, but you can format the output to display only the date. To do this, you can use the DATE function in combination with the TODAY() function, as shown in the previous example.

Using the DATE Function

The DATE function allows you to create a date from the specified year, month, and day. This function is useful when you need to create a date that is not the current date. For example, you can use the following formula to create a date that is 10 years from the current date:

DATE(YEAR(TODAY()) + 10, MONTH(TODAY()), DAY(TODAY())) (See Also: How to Add Yes No Dropdown in Google Sheets? Effortless Guide)

This formula will return a date that is 10 years from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Using the EDATE Function

The EDATE function allows you to add a specified number of days to a date. This function is useful when you need to calculate a future date based on a given date. For example, you can use the following formula to add 30 days to the current date:

EDATE(TODAY(), 30)

This formula will return a date that is 30 days from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

Method 5: Using Macros

Google Sheets offers a range of macros that can help you insert dates in your spreadsheet. These macros can perform tasks such as creating dates, formatting dates, and manipulating dates. To use a macro, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Tools” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Macros” and select “Create macro” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Enter the macro code in the script editor.
  4. Save the macro and run it.

Some popular macros for inserting dates in Google Sheets include:

  • CreateDate – Creates a date from the specified year, month, and day.
  • FormatDate – Formats a date to display in a specific format.
  • AddDays – Adds a specified number of days to a date.

Using the CreateDate Macro

The CreateDate macro allows you to create a date from the specified year, month, and day. This macro is useful when you need to create a date that is not the current date. To use the CreateDate macro, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Tools” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Macros” and select “Create macro” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Enter the following code in the script editor:
    4. function createDate(year, month, day) {
  var date = new Date(year, month - 1, day);
  return date;
}
  4. Save the macro and run it.

This will create a date from the specified year, month, and day.

Recap

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the different methods of inserting dates in Google Sheets. We have covered the following methods:

  • Using the built-in date functions.
  • Formatting cells to display dates.
  • Using add-ons to create calendars and track events.
  • Using formulas and functions to calculate dates and manipulate dates.
  • Using macros to create dates, format dates, and add days to dates.

We have also provided tips and best practices for working with dates in Google Sheets, including how to use the TODAY() function, the DATE function, and the EDATE function. We have also discussed how to use the Calendar add-on and the CreateDate macro.

Conclusion

Inserting dates in Google Sheets is a fundamental task that can be performed in various ways, depending on the specific requirements of your spreadsheet. Whether you’re creating a calendar, tracking events, or analyzing data, dates are an essential element in Google Sheets. By using the methods and techniques discussed in this guide, you can insert dates in your Google Sheet with ease and accuracy.

FAQs

How do I insert the current date in Google Sheets?

To insert the current date in Google Sheets, you can use the TODAY() function. This function returns the current date and time, but you can format the output to display only the date. To do this, you can use the DATE function in combination with the TODAY() function, as shown in the previous example.

How do I create a date from the specified year, month, and day in Google Sheets?

To create a date from the specified year, month, and day in Google Sheets, you can use the DATE function. This function allows you to create a date from the specified year, month, and day. For example, you can use the following formula to create a date that is 10 years from the current date:

DATE(YEAR(TODAY()) + 10, MONTH(TODAY()), DAY(TODAY()))

This formula will return a date that is 10 years from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

How do I add a specified number of days to a date in Google Sheets?

To add a specified number of days to a date in Google Sheets, you can use the EDATE function. This function allows you to add a specified number of days to a date. For example, you can use the following formula to add 30 days to the current date:

EDATE(TODAY(), 30)

This formula will return a date that is 30 days from the current date in the format YYYY-MM-DD.

How do I format a date to display in a specific format in Google Sheets?

To format a date to display in a specific format in Google Sheets, you can use the DATE function in combination with the TODAY() function, as shown in the previous example. Alternatively, you can use the custom number format to create a custom date format. To do this, follow these steps:

  1. Select the cell that you want to format.
  2. Go to the “Format” tab in the top menu.
  3. Click on “Number” and then select “Custom number format” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Enter the custom format that you want to use.

This will format the cell to display the date in the specified format.

How do I use the Calendar add-on to create a calendar in Google Sheets?

To use the Calendar add-on to create a calendar in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the “Add-ons” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Get add-ons” and search for the Calendar add-on.
  3. Click on the Calendar add-on and follow the installation instructions.
  4. Select the range of cells where you want to create the calendar.
  5. Go to the “Add-ons” tab in the top menu.
  6. Click on “Calendar” and select “Create calendar” from the dropdown menu.

This will create a calendar in the selected range of cells.

How do I use the CreateDate macro to create a date from the specified year, month, and day in Google Sheets?

To use the CreateDate macro to create a date from the specified year, month, and day in Google Sheets, follow these steps:

See Also:

  1. Go to the “Tools” tab in the top menu.
  2. Click on “Macros” and select “Create macro” from the dropdown menu.
  3. Enter the following code in the script editor:
    4. function createDate(year, month, day) {
  var date = new Date(year, month - 1, day);
  return date;
}
  4. Save the macro and run it.

This will create a date from the specified year, month, and day.

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