Excel DATEVALUE Function

The Excel DATEVALUE function converts dates stored as text to a date serial number so you can use the dates in formulas and PivotTables the way they were designed.

Note: the dates used in the examples below are dd/mm/yyyy

Syntax: = DATEVALUE(date_text)

Where date_text is a date stored as text.

Excel DATEVALUE Function Examples

Excel DATEVALUE Function

Tip 1: Notice DATEVALUE doesn't like dates separated with periods.

Tip 2: if you don't have the year present Excel will input the year based on your PC's built in clock!

So, you can see the DATEVALUE function can fix many date formats, but you may find it doesn't work with everything. Don't worry, here are more ways to fix dates formatted as text.

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Formula Examples using the Excel DATEVALUE Function

The DATEVALUE function can also be used to insert the date into other functions which require dates as arguments. Links to examples below.

Shortcuts when using dates as formula criteria
SUMPRODUCT Formulas
Array Formulas