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Are you tired of spending endless hours trying to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, we’ll explore six simple and efficient methods to help you extract the year from a date in Google Sheets, saving you time and frustration.
Method 1: Using the YEAR Function
The YEAR function is a straightforward way to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets. Simply input the date as an argument and watch as Google Sheets returns the four-digit year.
=YEAR(A2)
In the above example, the date is located in cell A2. By executing this formula, you’ll find the corresponding year in cell B2. Need the years for other dates? Just drag the formula downwards, and Google Sheets will work its magic!
Method 2: Utilizing the RIGHT Function
The RIGHT function allows you to extract a specified number of characters from the right side of a text string. In the case of dates in Google Sheets, you can leverage this function to extract the last four characters, which represent the year.
=RIGHT(A2, 4)
Similar to the previous method, the date is in cell A2. When you run this formula, the year will appear in cell B2. For multiple dates, drag the formula downwards, and voilà!
Method 3: Harnessing the TEXT Function
The TEXT function is a true powerhouse in Google Sheets. Not only can it format numerical values and dates, but it can also extract the year from a date.
=TEXT(A2, "YYYY")
Again, you’ll find the date in cell A2. By executing this formula, the corresponding year will appear in cell B2. Need years for multiple dates? Just drag the formula downwards, and let the magic unfold!
Method 4: Using the QUERY Function
The QUERY function enables you to manipulate your data as if you were working with an SQL database. It’s incredibly powerful for data aggregation, sorting, and filtering purposes—and can also extract the year from a date.
=QUERY(A1:A6, "SELECT YEAR(A)")
In this example, the dates are located in the range of cells A1:A6. When you run this formula, the years will populate in column B. The QUERY function automatically adjusts the result to fill as many rows as there are values in the data range.
Method 5: Custom Formatting
Google Sheets’ Format menu offers ample options for data formatting. But what if you can’t find the desired format? Enter custom formatting! With it, you can create your own format, including converting a date to a year.
Here’s how:
- Select the range of cells B2:B6.
- Go to the Format menu and choose Number.
- Select the Custom Format option for date and time.
- Delete the month and day formats, leaving only the year format.
Method 6: Leveraging the SPLIT Function
The SPLIT function allows you to split a text string based on a specific character. You can use it to separate the components of a date and extract the year.
=SPLIT(A2, "-")
In this example, the date is in cell A2. By running this formula, the date components will appear in cells B2, C2, and D2. To extract only the year, use the INDEX function:
=INDEX(SPLIT(A2, "-"), 1, 3)
These six methods offer versatile ways to extract the year from a date in Google Sheets, catering to your specific needs. Don’t hesitate to try them out and choose the one that suits you best.
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