What is the DATEVALUE Function?
The DATEVALUEfunctionin Excel converts a text-formatted date into aserial number.
Excel can then read the serial number to understand the date.
This Excel function is necessary when a cell contains date information but it’s stored in regular text.
This can happen if the date has been copied or imported from elsewhere.
The DATEVALUE function works in all versions of Excel.
It can reference other cells or the date information can be stored within the formula.
Enter Date Inside Formula
This is another way to use this function.
Entering the date in quotes is a substitute for calling on another cell.
This formula produces the serial date39441.
The result is41654, which Excel can format as a date to produce1/15/2014.
The result is43944, which when formatted as a date turns into4/23/2020.
DATEVALUE Errors
Below are some examples of situations where the DATEVALUE function will show an error.
Dates formatted as text are usually left-aligned, while date-formatted cells are typically right-aligned.
grab the cell(s) that need to be formatted as a date.
From theHometab at the top of Excel, locate theNumbersection.
pick the drop-down menu and choose a date option, likeShort DateorLong Date.
