Are you struggling to change the date format in your Google Sheets? Look no further! In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the date format using simple methods. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned user, we’ve got you covered!
What is the Default Date Format in Google Sheets?
By default, Google Sheets determines the date format based on your location. For example, if you are in the United Kingdom, the default date format will be DD/MM/YYYY. Meanwhile, if you are in North America, the default format will be MM/DD/YYYY.
In other words, your location sets the default date format. However, you can easily modify it to suit your preferences. If you’re unsure how to change the date format, don’t worry, we’ll explain the process step by step.
How Can I Change the Date Format in Google Sheets?
Let’s dive into the main question: How can you change the date format in Google Sheets? Fortunately, there are several methods to achieve this. You can modify the format using menu extensions or specific functions. Here are 5 options for custom formatting:
Method 1: Format Date Using the Menu
If you prefer not to use formulas to change the date format in Google Sheets, this method is simple and formula-free. Just follow these steps:
- Select the data you want to modify.
- Click on “Format” in the top left corner. Then, click on the “123 – Number” button in the extension.
- Choose the format that suits your needs, whether it’s a date format or a duration format.
Method 2: Using the DATEVALUE Function
The DATEVALUE function is useful for specific date formats in Google Sheets. It allows you to create a date with the selected format. Here’s how you can do it:
- Select the cells to which you want to apply the formula.
- Type “=DATEVALUE(value)” and press Enter.
- For example, if you type “=DATEVALUE(B2)” containing “10-10-2023”, you will get “45209”, which represents the serial number of cell B2.
Method 3: Using the TEXT Function
The TEXT formula converts numbers into text, including currencies, dates, decimals, or other formats. It is primarily used for dates. If you need to use this formula, follow these steps:
- Click on any empty cell.
- Enter “=TEXT(A2, “MMM-DD”)” for a cell containing “December 1, 2023”, and you will get just the day, such as “Dec-01”.
- If you enter “=TEXT(A2, “dd mmm yy”)”, you will get the month in text and other details in numbers. Drag the little handle in the bottom right corner to apply this formula to other cells.
Method 4: Using the QUERY Function
Formatting date, time, and number columns in Google Sheets is made easy with the QUERY function. This function converts long dates into an ideal date format according to your preferences. Curious to try it out? Follow these steps:
- Select the data you want to customize (e.g., from cell A2 to A11).
- Decide on the desired date and time format.
- Enter “=QUERY(value1:value2, “SELECT * FORMAT A ‘DD-MMM-YYYY'”)” and adjust the formula in Google Sheets according to your needs. Press Enter to see the result.
- For example, if you enter “=QUERY(A2:A11, “SELECT * FORMAT A ‘DD-MMM'”)”, you will see the format change from “November 2, 2023” to “02-Nov”.
Method 5: Changing the Regional Format
This method doesn’t require any formulas. By following the basic instructions below, you can easily change the format to another location. Here are the steps:
- Click on “File” in the toolbar menu, then click on “Settings”.
- You will see both “Region” and “Time zone”.
- Choose your desired settings, and once saved, the date, year, month, and day will adhere to your saved parameters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Date Format in Google Sheets
Even after learning how to change the date format in Google Sheets as text or vice versa, you might still have some questions on the topic. To help you learn more and find answers to your questions, here are some frequently asked questions about the date format in Google Sheets:
- Can I apply different date formats to specific cells?
- How do I change the date format to display only the month and year?
- Can I create a custom date format that suits my needs?
- How do I convert a text string to a date format in Google Sheets?
- Can I use conditional formatting to highlight specific dates?
In Conclusion
Google Sheets is an excellent tool for data recording, whether for individuals or businesses. When recording data, the date can be crucial. Therefore, it’s essential to know the handy formulas in Google Sheets. You can learn more about this in our article on the top 20+ Google Sheets formulas to make your work easier. In this article, our aim is to guide you in changing the date format in Google Sheets using simple methods.
To explore more Google Sheets tips and tricks, visit Crawlan.com. Happy formatting!
