Extract Date from Timestamp in Excel

Using Excel Functions

To extract a date from a timestamp in Excel, utilize the INT function. Excel interprets dates and times as serial numbers, with dates as integers and times as fractional values. The INT function rounds down the serial number to the nearest integer, effectively isolating the date component from a datetime value.

Alternatively, the TRUNC function in Excel can also be used for this purpose. It truncates the datetime serial number to the integer part without rounding, separating the date from the time in the timestamp.

Timestamp Conversion Formula

For Unix timestamps, apply the formula =(A1/86400+"1970/1/1") to convert the timestamp into an Excel date. This formula takes into account that Excel stores dates as timestamps and the Unix timestamp for the start of the epoch "1970/1/1" is 86400.

Formatting Extracted Date

Once you have extracted the date, you might need to format it appropriately. Use Excel's built-in formatting options or keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+Shift+# to apply a date format to the selected cells.

Text to Columns Feature

The Convert Text to Columns Wizard, accessible with the shortcut Alt+D+E or Alt+A+E, can be used to split a combined date and time into separate columns. This wizard is particularly useful when dealing with timestamps formatted as text.

Excel Shortcuts for Efficiency

Maximize your efficiency when working with dates in Excel by using shortcuts. The Alt+H+N shortcut activates the Number Format box where you can choose date formats, while Ctrl + + and Ctrl + - shortcuts allow you to add or delete columns during the process.

Common Use Cases

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  Generating daily sales reports from transactional data
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  Tracking employee attendance and hours worked
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  Analyzing seasonal trends over multiple years
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  Organizing and summarizing events or tasks by date
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  Monitoring project milestones and deadlines

Excel vs. Sourcetable: Choosing the Right Spreadsheet Tool

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