How to Convert Date to Month in Excel
In Excel, converting a date to a month can be a useful skill, especially when you need to analyze data based on specific months. Whether you’re working with a list of dates and want to extract the month from each date, or you simply want to format your date data to display only the month, Excel provides several methods to achieve this. In this article, we will explore various techniques to convert a date to a month in Excel.
Using the TEXT Function
One of the simplest ways to convert a date to a month in Excel is by using the TEXT function. The TEXT function allows you to format numbers, dates, and text as strings. To convert a date to a month, you can use the following formula:
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=TEXT(date, “mmmm”)
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In this formula, “date” refers to the cell containing the date you want to convert, and “mmmm” is the format code that represents the full month name. For example, if you have a date in cell A1, you can use the following formula in cell B1 to extract the month:
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=TEXT(A1, “mmmm”)
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This will display the full month name in cell B1.
Using the MONTH Function
Another method to convert a date to a month in Excel is by using the MONTH function. The MONTH function returns the month as a number from 1 to 12, based on the given date. To use the MONTH function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the month.
2. Enter the following formula:
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=MONTH(date)
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Replace “date” with the cell reference of the date you want to convert. For example, if you have a date in cell A1, you can use the following formula in cell B1:
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=MONTH(A1)
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This will display the month as a number in cell B1.
Using Custom Number Formats
Excel also allows you to use custom number formats to display only the month from a date. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell containing the date you want to convert.
2. Right-click on the cell and choose “Format Cells” from the context menu.
3. In the “Number” tab, select “Custom” from the category list.
4. In the “Type” field, enter “mmmm” (without quotes) to display the full month name, or “mm” to display the month as a number.
5. Click “OK” to apply the format.
This method will update the cell to display only the month, regardless of the original date format.
Conclusion
Converting a date to a month in Excel can be done using various methods, such as the TEXT function, MONTH function, or custom number formats. Each method has its advantages and can be used depending on your specific needs. By mastering these techniques, you’ll be able to effectively analyze and present your date data in Excel.
