How to change the date format in Google Sheets?

In Google Sheets, dates are often stored in a default format, which may not always be suitable for your specific needs. Fortunately, with the TEXT() formula, you can easily convert date values into a variety of formats, allowing for greater customization and flexibility. Whether you prefer day-month-year, month-day-year, or any other format, the TEXT() formula empowers you to tailor date displays to your preference. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to change the date format in Google Sheets using the TEXT() formula, providing step-by-step instructions and practical examples.

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Understanding the TEXT() Formula

Basically, the TEXT() formula in Google Sheets converts a given value into a specified text format, providing extensive control over the appearance of the resulting text. When applied to date values, the TEXT() function allows you to transform dates into a wide range of formats, including variations in day, month, year, and separators.

=TEXT(value, format_text)

• “value”: The value to be formatted, such as a date or number.
• “format_text”: The desired format for the output text, specified using text strings and placeholders for date components.

Step by step explanation – how to change the date format in Google Sheets?

Now, let’s walk through the process of changing the date format in Google Sheets using the TEXT() formula:

1. Select a Cell: Choose the cell where you want the formatted date to appear.
2. Enter the Formula: In the selected cell, input the following formula:scssCopy code=TEXT(A1, "dd/mm/yyyy") Replace “A1” with the cell reference containing the date you want to format, and “dd/mm/yyyy” with your desired date format. In this example, “dd” represents the day, “mm” represents the month, and “yyyy” represents the year. You can customize the format according to your preference, using placeholders for day (“d” or “dd”), month (“m” or “mm”), and year (“yy” or “yyyy”), along with separators such as slashes (“/”), dashes (“-“), or periods (“.”).
3. Press Enter: After entering the formula, press Enter to apply it. The selected cell will now display the date in the specified format.

By utilizing the TEXT() formula in Google Sheets, you can effortlessly change the date format to suit your preferences and requirements. Whether you prefer day-month-year, month-day-year, or any other format, the TEXT() function offers unparalleled flexibility for customizing date displays. Incorporate these techniques into your spreadsheet workflows to enhance organization, improve readability, and optimize data presentation in Google Sheets.