Dates are an essential component when it comes to working with data in spreadsheets. If you’re looking to enhance your efficiency, especially when dealing with large amounts of data, learning how to organize and compare dates in Google Sheets is a skill that can level up your game.
In this post, we will explore different methods and techniques to compare dates in Google Sheets. By the end, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to tackle date comparisons like a pro.
Overview of How To Compare Dates in Google Sheets
Google Sheets offers various methods to compare dates based on your specific needs. Let’s dive into each method in detail.
Using Comparison Operators to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
One of the simplest ways to compare dates in Google Sheets is by using comparison operators. These symbols help you determine if two dates are the same, if one date is greater than the other, or if one date comes before another.
Let’s explore each operator individually.
Using the ‘Equal to’ (==) Operator to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
This operator is handy when you want to check if two dates are exactly the same.
To use this operator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A2=B2
The result in cell C2 will appear as TRUE if the dates in cells A2 and B2 are the same.
Using Greater Than (>) Operator to Compare Two Dates in Google Sheets
The Greater Than operator comes into play when you want to determine which date comes after the other.
To use this operator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A2>B2
The result in cell C2 will appear as FALSE if the date in cell A2 is not greater than the date in cell B2.
Using Greater than or Equal to (>=) Operator to Compare Two Dates in Google Sheets
This operator allows you to determine not only which date comes after the other but also if they are equal.
To use this operator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A2>=B2
The result in cell C2 will appear as TRUE if the date in cell A2 is either equal to or greater than the date in cell B2.
Using Less than (<) Operator to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
The Less Than operator helps you determine which date comes before the other.
To use this operator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A2<B2
The result in cell C2 will appear as FALSE if the date in cell A2 is not less than the date in cell B2.
Using Less than or Equal to (<=) Operator to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
This operator allows you to determine not only which date comes before the other but also if they are equal.
To use this operator, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A2<=B2
The result in cell C2 will appear as FALSE if the date in cell A2 is not less than or equal to the date in cell B2.
Using the TODAY() Formula to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
The TODAY() function in Google Sheets recognizes the current date of your device in real-time, allowing you to compare it with any date in your spreadsheet.
To use this formula, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =A7=TODAY()
The result in cell C2 will appear as TRUE if the date in cell A7 is the same as the current date.
Using the Date Function to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
In cases where you need to compare dates with specific individual year, month, and day values, you can use the DATE function.
The syntax for the DATE function is =DATE(year, month, day). You can combine the DATE function with other operators and formulas like greater than (>), equal to (=), or the TODAY() function, depending on the type of comparison you want to make.
For example, if you want to compare whether the current date (7th August 2023) is greater than the 1st day of 2023, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result
Step 2: Enter this formula: =TODAY()>DATE(2023,1,1)
The result will appear as TRUE if the current date is later than the 1st of January 2023.
Using the IFS Formula to Compare Dates in Google Sheets
The IFS formula in Google Sheets allows you to perform multiple logical tests and return different results based on the conditions met.
Here’s an example of how you can use the IFS formula to compare dates:
Let’s say you have a list of students in a class who have submitted their projects on different dates. If you want to know which students submitted after the deadline, you can use the IFS formula.
Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell D2)
Step 2: Enter the formula: IFS(B2<C2, "Before Deadline", B2=C2, "On Deadline", TRUE, "After Deadline")
The result in cell D2 will be displayed as “Before Deadline,” “On Deadline,” or “After Deadline” based on the condition met.
Comparing Two Dates With Time in Google Sheets
Comparing dates with time values in the same cell may produce unexpected results in Google Sheets. However, you can use the TRUNC() formula to truncate the time value and obtain the expected result.
Here’s how to compare dates with time values:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C3)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =TRUNC(A2)=TRUNC(B2)
The result in cell C3 will appear as TRUE if the truncated dates in cell A2 and cell B2 are the same.
Finding Days Difference Between Dates in Google Sheets
To calculate the number of days between two dates in Google Sheets, you can subtract one date from another using the “-” operator.
Here’s an example:
Step 1: Select a cell for your result (Cell C2)
Step 2: Enter this formula: =B2-A2
The result will appear as the exact number of days between the two dates.
Finding Days, Months & Years Difference Between Dates Using DATEDIF() Formula
The DATEDIF() formula allows you to count the number of days, months, and years between two dates in Google Sheets.
To find the difference in months between two dates, use the formula =DATEDIF(A2, B2, "M").
To find the difference in years between two dates, use the formula =DATEDIF(A2, B2, "Y").
To find the difference in days between two dates, use the formula =DATEDIF(A2, B2, "D").
Just select a cell for your result and enter the respective formula.
Conclusion
Comparing dates in Google Sheets is a straightforward process that can be done using various functions and operators. By leveraging these tools, you can easily perform date comparisons, calculations, and even format your Google Sheets based on the results.
Mastering the art of comparing dates in Google Sheets will undoubtedly elevate your efficiency and accuracy when working with data. Embrace these techniques and unlock the true potential of date comparison in your spreadsheets.
Remember, for more valuable tips and tricks on Google Sheets, visit Crawlan.com. Happy spreadsheeting!
