Converting dates into months in Excel is a simple task that can be accomplished using Excel’s built-in formulas and functions. By following a few easy steps, you can quickly extract the month from a date and use it for further data analysis or reporting. Knowing how to convert date into month in Excel can be a handy skill to organize and categorize your data efficiently.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Convert Date into Month in Excel
Before we dive into the steps, let’s understand what we’re aiming to achieve. Converting dates into months allows you to group data by month, which can be useful for tracking trends, comparing monthly performance, or organizing your datasets. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Enter the Date
Type the date you want to convert into a cell in Excel.
Excel recognizes various date formats, so you can enter the date in a format that’s most convenient for you. Ensure the cell is formatted as a date to avoid any errors in the conversion process.
Step 2: Use the MONTH Function
In a new cell, type the formula =MONTH(cell), replacing “cell” with the cell reference containing the date.
The MONTH function is designed to extract the month number from a date. For example, if your date is in cell A1, your formula would be =MONTH(A1).
Step 3: Press Enter
After typing the formula, press Enter to execute the function.
Once you press Enter, the cell will display the month number corresponding to the date you entered. For instance, if the date is January 15, 2021, the cell will display “1” as the result.
Step 4: Convert the Month Number to Month Name (Optional)
If you want to display the month name instead of the number, use the TEXT function by typing =TEXT(cell,”mmmm”) in a new cell.
The TEXT function allows you to format the month number into the full month name. Using the previous example, the formula =TEXT(A1,”mmmm”) will display “January” as the result.
After completing these steps, you will have successfully converted a date into a month in Excel. If you used the optional step to convert the month number into a month name, your data will now be more readable and easier to understand.
Tips on How to Convert Date into Month in Excel
- Make sure your dates are correctly formatted in Excel before attempting to convert them into months.
- Use the TEXT function for custom formatting if you want to display abbreviated month names, such as “Jan” instead of “January.”
- To apply the month conversion to multiple dates, copy the formula down the column using the fill handle.
- Remember that the MONTH function returns a numerical value, so you might need to adjust the cell formatting to display it as a number.
- You can combine the MONTH function with other functions, such as IF or SUMIF, to perform more complex data analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if my date is in a text format?
If your date is in a text format, you may need to use the DATEVALUE function to convert it into a date before extracting the month.
Can I extract the month from a date in a different language?
Yes, Excel supports multiple languages, and you can use the TEXT function with a locale-specific format to extract the month in the desired language.
How can I extract the month and year from a date?
To extract both the month and year, you can use a combination of the MONTH and YEAR functions in separate cells or concatenate them in a single cell.
Is it possible to convert a range of dates into months at once?
Yes, you can use the same formula to convert a range of dates by dragging the fill handle across the range of cells.
Can I use this method to group data by month in a pivot table?
Absolutely! Once you’ve converted dates into months, you can easily use the resulting data as a grouping field in a pivot table.
Summary
- Enter the date.
- Use the MONTH function.
- Press Enter.
- Convert the month number to the month name (optional).
Conclusion
Mastering how to convert date into month in Excel opens up numerous possibilities for organizing and analyzing your data. Whether you’re looking to summarize sales figures by month, track monthly expenses, or simply categorize events, knowing how to perform this conversion efficiently can save you time and enhance your spreadsheets. Remember to experiment with different functions and formulas to find the best approach for your specific needs. Excel is an incredibly powerful tool, and with a bit of practice, you’ll be able to unlock even more of its potential. Happy Excel-ing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.