How to Get the Month from a Date in Excel
In Excel, dates are a unique data type that can be manipulated in various ways to extract specific information. One common task is to extract the month from a given date. This can be useful for sorting, filtering, or simply displaying the month in a more readable format. In this article, we will explore different methods to achieve this in Excel.
Method 1: Using the MONTH Function
The simplest way to extract the month from a date in Excel is by using the MONTH function. The MONTH function takes a date as an argument and returns the month as a number between 1 and 12. Here’s how to use it:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the month.
2. Enter the following formula: =MONTH(date_cell)
3. Replace “date_cell” with the cell reference of the date you want to extract the month from.
For example, if your date is in cell A1, the formula would be: =MONTH(A1).
Method 2: Using the TEXT Function
Another method to extract the month from a date is by using the TEXT function. The TEXT function allows you to format a number as text. Here’s how to use it:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the month.
2. Enter the following formula: =TEXT(date_cell, “mmmm”)
3. Replace “date_cell” with the cell reference of the date you want to extract the month from.
The “mmmm” argument in the formula specifies that you want to display the full month name. If you prefer to display the month as a number, you can use “mm” instead.
Method 3: Using the LEFT Function
The LEFT function can also be used to extract the month from a date by isolating the first three characters of the date string. Here’s how to use it:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the month.
2. Enter the following formula: =LEFT(date_cell, 3)
3. Replace “date_cell” with the cell reference of the date you want to extract the month from.
This method assumes that the date is stored in a text format. If your date is stored as a date type, you may need to convert it to text first using the TEXT function or by formatting the cell as text.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several methods to extract the month from a date in Excel. The MONTH function, TEXT function, and LEFT function are all useful tools for this task. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences. With these techniques, you can easily extract the month from a date and utilize it in your Excel spreadsheets.
