Dates are crucial in any data scenario, especially when you’re working with spreadsheets. Being able to organize and compare dates in Google Sheets can significantly enhance your efficiency when dealing with large amounts of data. Don’t worry, though, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In this article, we’ll explore various techniques to compare dates in Google Sheets, and by the end, you’ll be a pro at it.
Overview of How To Compare Dates in Google Sheets
There are different methods you can use to compare dates in Google Sheets, depending on the information you need.
One simple way is by using « comparison operators. » These symbols, such as ‘==’, ‘>’, and ‘<‘, help you determine if two dates are the same, if one date is later than another, or if one date comes before the other.
If you have multiple factors to consider, you can utilize formulas like IF and IFS. These formulas allow you to compare dates in a more detailed manner. Additionally, the TODAY() formula is handy when you need to compare dates with the current date.
In some cases, you might want to compare dates with both days and times. To do this, you can use the Truncate function, which temporarily eliminates the time component so you can focus on the dates.
To take it a step further, you can calculate the gap between dates – the number of days, months, or years between them. The DATEIF() formula comes in handy for this purpose, providing you with the exact count you need.
Using Comparison Operators to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers a range of operators to help you compare dates in various ways. Let’s dive into each one.
Using the ‘Equal to’ (==) Operator to Compare Dates
This operator is incredibly useful to determine if two dates are exactly the same. Simply input the formula « =A2=B2 » in a cell, where A2 and B2 represent the dates you want to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the Greater Than (>) Operator to Compare Two Dates
When you want to determine which date comes after another, the Greater Than operator can come to the rescue. Input « =A2>B2 » in a cell, with A2 and B2 being the dates you wish to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the Greater than or Equal to (>=) Operator
This operator not only helps you determine which date comes after the other but also if they’re equal. Input « =A2>=B2 » in a cell, where A2 and B2 represent the dates you want to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the Less than (<) Operator to Compare Dates
To determine which date comes earlier in the timeline, use the Less Than operator. Input « =A2<B2 » in a cell, with A2 and B2 representing the dates you want to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the Less than or Equal to (<=) Operator
This operator allows you to find the earlier date and determine if they’re equal. Input « =A2<=B2 » in a cell, where A2 and B2 represent the dates you want to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the TODAY() Formula to Compare Dates
The TODAY() function recognizes the current date and can be compared to any date in your Google Sheets. Input « =A7=TODAY() » in a cell, where A7 represents the date you want to compare. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Comparing Dates with the Date Function
The DATE function is useful when you need to compare dates that are not readily available in your dataset or in your spreadsheet. Input « =TODAY()>DATE(2023,1,1) » in a cell to compare the current date with the specified date. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Using the IFS Formula to Compare Dates
The IFS formula allows you to perform multiple logical tests and return different results based on the conditions met. For example, you can compare submission dates of students using the IFS formula. Input « =IFS(B2<C2, » Before Deadline », B2=C2, » On Deadline », true, » After Deadline ») » in a cell, with B2 and C2 representing the dates to be compared. The result will be either « Before Deadline, » « On Deadline, » or « After Deadline. »
Comparing Dates with Time Values
When comparing dates with time values in the same cell, Google Sheets’ TRUNC() formula comes into play. It truncates the time value from the date, giving you the correct result. Input « =TRUNC(A2)=TRUNC(B2) » in a cell, where A2 and B2 represent the dates to be compared. The result will be either TRUE or FALSE.
Finding the Days Difference Between Dates
To calculate the number of days between two dates in Google Sheets, simply subtract one date from the other using the « – » operator. The result will be the exact number of days between the two dates.
Finding Days, Months & Years Difference Between Dates Using DATEDIF()
The DATEDIF() formula allows you to count the number of days, months, and years between two dates. Input « =DATEDIF(A2, B2, « M ») » to compare the difference in months, « =DATEDIF(A2, B2, « Y ») » for years, and « =DATEDIF(A2, B2, « D ») » for days. The result will be the exact count of days, months, or years, depending on the syntax used.
Conclusion
Comparing dates in Google Sheets is not as daunting as it may seem. With the help of various functions and operators, you can easily compare dates, perform calculations, and format your Google Sheets accordingly. By mastering the art of date comparison, you’ll become more efficient in handling data and making informed decisions.
Now that you’re equipped with these valuable date comparison techniques, go ahead and explore the endless possibilities in Google Sheets. For more expert tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com, your go-to resource for all things Google Sheets.
Happy spreadsheeting!
