How to Use the DATEVALUE Function in Excel

This guide explains how to use DATEVALUE Function in Excel, including its syntax, required arguments, practical examples, and common errors.

Description: The function performs a conversion of a stored date value as a text into a serial number recognized by Excel. The function is useful in cases where the worksheet contains the date format you want to filter or sort.

Syntax: DATEVALUE (date_text)

Where: date_text is the date value to be converted to serial number. Date values range from 1/1/1900 -> 12/31/9999.

Attention:

- If the year value in the date_text argument is omitted the function takes the current year on the clock on your computer.

- Excel stores dates in sequential serial format to facilitate calculation.

- Most functions automatically convert date values into serial numbers.

For example:

Convert date values in different formats to serial numbers according to Excel conventions.

- In the cell to calculate, enter the formula: = DATEVALUE ("May 1, 1985").

- Press Enter -> the serial number corresponding to May 1, 1985 is:

- Similarly copying the formula for the remaining values results:

- With individual date, month and year values, you can combine them to calculate the serial number according to the following formula: = DATEVALUE (F12 & "/" & G12 & "/" & H12).

- Press Enter -> the corresponding serial number is:

Above are instructions and some specific examples when using the DATEVALUE function .

Good luck!