Working with dates in Excel can be tricky, especially when those dates are stored as text. Converting these into Excel's date format is a game-changer, letting you harness Excel's date-based functions. So, let's dive in.
Step 1: Spot the Text Dates
Identify the cells in your Excel sheet containing dates as text. Unlike Excel's typical date format, these will usually be aligned to the left.
Step 2: Harness the Power of DATEVALUE
In a cell next to your text date, it's time to use Excel's handy DATEVALUE function. If your text date is in cell A1, type =DATEVALUE(A1).
Step 3: Execute the Conversion
After typing the formula, hit Enter to see your text date transform into Excel's serial number date.
Step 4: Adopt a Standard Date Format
With the serial number in hand, we need to convert it to a standard date format. Click the cell containing the serial number, go to Format > Cells > Number > Date, and choose your preferred date format.
Step 5: Confirm Correct Conversion
Finally, take a moment to double-check your work. Make sure that your new, correctly formatted dates match the original text dates.
