Converting text to date in Excel

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You copy date data from external sources into your Excel spreadsheet. Dates may be formatted and stored as text, so you need to convert them to regular date format. So how do you convert text to date in Excel? Check out the article below for guidance.

If your text contains dates in a non-standard format in Excel spreadsheets. This can cause errors when using these date data in calculations, so you need to convert the format from Text to Date in Excel. Here are some ways to help you do this task.

Method 1: Convert text to date in Excel using error checking feature.

Step 1: Highlight the column containing date data in text format, then switch to the Formulas tab and select Error Checking

Step 2: A dialog box appears where you select the appropriate year format for your data (19XX or 20XX)

Step 3: Proceed sequentially with each date in the spreadsheet until you receive the completion notification

Now all text-based date data have been converted to standard date format.

Method 2: Using a Function to Convert Text to Date in Excel

- Firstly, utilize the DATEVALUE function to convert it into a numerical format

- Then, proceed to convert the obtained list of numbers into date format by: Highlighting the data range needing conversion, right-clicking, and selecting Format Cells (shortcut Ctrlb + 1)

- Move to the Number tab and choose Date. The right panel displays various date format options. Choose a suitable date format and press OK to save

Upon completion, all text formats will be converted to dates in Excel.

Method 3: Utilize Kutools for Excel Tool

Kutools for Excel is a powerful support tool for Excel, offering many useful extended features. To begin, download Kutools for Excel and install it on your computer.

After successfully installing Kutools for Excel, the Kutools tab will appear on your Excel spreadsheet. Then, select the date text data range, and click on Kutools -> Content -> Convert to Date.

Now your document has been converted into standard date format.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the methods to convert text to date in Excel?

There are several methods to convert text to date in Excel, including using the Error Checking feature, the DATEVALUE function, and Kutools for Excel. Each method provides a systematic approach to transforming non-standard date formats into regular date formats suitable for calculations.

How can I use the DATEVALUE function to convert text to date?

To use the DATEVALUE function, enter the formula to convert the text into a numerical format. After that, select the range of numbers, right-click, and choose Format Cells to select a date format, converting the numbers into standard date formats for Excel.

Is Kutools for Excel a recommended tool for date conversion tasks?

Yes, Kutools for Excel is a highly recommended tool for simplifying date conversion tasks. After installation, it provides easy options to convert date text data with just a few clicks, streamlining the process significantly.

What common errors occur when handling date data formatted as text in Excel?

Common errors include incorrect calculations due to non-standard date formats, leading to misinterpretations of data. It's crucial to convert text-formatted dates to standard formats to avoid these issues and ensure accurate data analysis.

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