Google Sheets is a powerful tool for data analysis and management, offering a wide range of features and functions to help users work with their data. One of the most essential functions in Google Sheets is the date formula, which allows users to manipulate and format dates in their spreadsheet. In this blog post, we will explore the topic of how to put a date formula in Google Sheets, covering the basics of date formatting, creating date formulas, and advanced techniques for working with dates in Google Sheets.
Understanding Date Formatting in Google Sheets
Date formatting is a crucial aspect of working with dates in Google Sheets. By default, Google Sheets displays dates in the format of MM/DD/YYYY, but users can customize the format to suit their needs. To change the date format, users can select the cell containing the date and use the “Format” option in the “Number” group of the “Home” tab.
Google Sheets offers a range of pre-defined date formats, including:
- Short date: MM/DD/YYYY
- Long date: MMMM D, YYYY
- Medium date: MMM D, YYYY
- Full date: MMMM D, YYYY HH:MM:SS
Users can also create custom date formats using the “Custom” option in the “Format” dialog box. For example, to create a date format that displays the day of the week and the date, users can enter the following custom format: “dddd, MMMM D, YYYY”.
Creating Date Formulas in Google Sheets
Creating Date Formulas in Google Sheets
Date formulas in Google Sheets allow users to perform calculations and manipulations on dates. One of the most common date formulas is the TODAY() function, which returns the current date. To use the TODAY() function, users can enter the following formula in a cell: =TODAY().
Users can also use the DATE() function to create a date from separate year, month, and day values. For example, to create a date from the year 2022, month 3, and day 15, users can enter the following formula: =DATE(2022, 3, 15). (See Also: How to Do Divide in Google Sheets? Easy Steps)
Another useful date formula is the EOMONTH() function, which returns the last day of the month. To use the EOMONTH() function, users can enter the following formula: =EOMONTH(A1, 0), where A1 is the cell containing the date.
Users can also use the WORKDAY() function to calculate the number of workdays between two dates. For example, to calculate the number of workdays between the date in cell A1 and the current date, users can enter the following formula: =WORKDAY(A1, 0).
Google Sheets also offers a range of date-related functions, including:
- DAY(): returns the day of the month
- MONTH(): returns the month of the year
- YEAR(): returns the year
- WEEKDAY(): returns the day of the week
- NETWORKDAYS(): returns the number of workdays between two dates
Advanced Techniques for Working with Dates in Google Sheets
Users can also use advanced techniques to work with dates in Google Sheets. For example, users can use the IF() function to test whether a date is within a certain range. For example, to test whether the date in cell A1 is within the range of January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, users can enter the following formula: =IF(A1>=DATE(2022, 1, 1), A1, “Out of range”).
Users can also use the INDEX/MATCH function to look up dates in a table. For example, to look up the date in cell A1 in a table, users can enter the following formula: =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A1, B:B, 0)). (See Also: How to Remove Formatting in Google Sheets? Simplify Your Data)
Users can also use the VLOOKUP function to look up dates in a table. For example, to look up the date in cell A1 in a table, users can enter the following formula: =VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE).
Recap and Key Points
In this blog post, we have covered the basics of date formatting and creating date formulas in Google Sheets. We have also explored advanced techniques for working with dates in Google Sheets, including using the IF() function, INDEX/MATCH function, and VLOOKUP function.
Key points to remember:
- Date formatting is a crucial aspect of working with dates in Google Sheets.
- Users can customize the date format to suit their needs.
- Date formulas allow users to perform calculations and manipulations on dates.
- The TODAY() function returns the current date.
- The DATE() function creates a date from separate year, month, and day values.
- The EOMONTH() function returns the last day of the month.
- The WORKDAY() function calculates the number of workdays between two dates.
- Users can use advanced techniques to work with dates in Google Sheets, including using the IF() function, INDEX/MATCH function, and VLOOKUP function.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs: How to Put Date Formula in Google Sheets?
Q: What is the TODAY() function in Google Sheets?
The TODAY() function in Google Sheets returns the current date. To use the TODAY() function, users can enter the following formula in a cell: =TODAY().
Q: How do I create a date from separate year, month, and day values in Google Sheets?
To create a date from separate year, month, and day values in Google Sheets, users can use the DATE() function. For example, to create a date from the year 2022, month 3, and day 15, users can enter the following formula: =DATE(2022, 3, 15).
Q: How do I calculate the number of workdays between two dates in Google Sheets?
To calculate the number of workdays between two dates in Google Sheets, users can use the WORKDAY() function. For example, to calculate the number of workdays between the date in cell A1 and the current date, users can enter the following formula: =WORKDAY(A1, 0).
Q: How do I use the IF() function to test whether a date is within a certain range in Google Sheets?
To use the IF() function to test whether a date is within a certain range in Google Sheets, users can enter the following formula: =IF(A1>=DATE(2022, 1, 1), A1, “Out of range”).
Q: How do I look up a date in a table in Google Sheets?
To look up a date in a table in Google Sheets, users can use the INDEX/MATCH function or the VLOOKUP function. For example, to look up the date in cell A1 in a table, users can enter the following formula: =INDEX(C:C, MATCH(A1, B:B, 0)) or =VLOOKUP(A1, B:C, 2, FALSE).