How To Change Format Of Date In Google Sheets

Introduction

Changing the date format in Google Sheets can be a valuable skill for data organization and interpretation. In this guide, you will learn the simple steps to customize date formats for better data management.

We will also explore why Sourcetable is a better alternative to using Google Sheets. Instead of dealing with complex functions and features, Sourcetable's AI chatbot lets you create spreadsheets, generate data, analyze information, and create visualizations just by describing what you want. Sign up for Sourcetable to experience the power of conversational AI for all your spreadsheet needs.

How to Change Format of Date in Google Sheet

Changing Date Formats Using Built-in Instruments

To change the date format in Google Sheets, utilize the built-in formatting options. Select the cells you wish to format, then navigate to Format > Number > Date for date-only format, or Format > Number > Date time for date and time.

Using Custom Date Formats

If the default formats don't meet your needs, access custom date formats via Format > Number > Custom date and time. Select the cells, go to this menu option, and customize the date by adding or removing date units such as day, month, and year. Date units can be displayed with commas, slashes, or dashes.

Setting Date Formats with the QUERY Function

The QUERY function can also change date formats. Use special codes like d for days, m for months, and y for years. An example syntax is: SELECT * FORMAT B 'd-mmm-yy (ddd)'. This adjusts the format without altering the original data.

Changing Locale for Date Format

Change the spreadsheet locale to adjust date formats that are not recognized. This affects the default date format settings. Set the locale via File > Spreadsheet settings and select the desired location.

Using the TEXT Function

The TEXT function converts dates to text in a specified format. It does not change the original date column's format. Use it as: =TEXT(A1, "dd/mm/yyyy"). The function supports codes used by QUERY, like dd, mmm, and yyy.

Extracting Date Components with Functions

Use functions like LEFT, MID, and RIGHT to extract digits from a number and pass them to the DATE function. This approach customizes how dates are displayed in specific cell ranges.

Splitting Date and Time

To separate date and time into different columns, manually split the date-time values using suitable string functions or data manipulation tools. This can be useful for plotting on different axes or analyzing data separately.

Examples of Changing Date Formats

Switch between common date formats like dd/mm/yyyy and mm/dd/yyyy using custom date formatting options or the QUERY function as discussed.

Why Learning How to Change Date Formats in Google Sheets is Important

Understanding date format changes in Google Sheets is essential for data organization and analysis. Proper date formatting ensures data consistency across spreadsheets and prevents calculation errors. Standardized date formats make data more readable and professional-looking.

Professional Benefits

Consistent date formatting helps streamline business reporting and data sharing between teams. When working with international colleagues, knowing how to switch between date formats (MM/DD/YYYY vs. DD/MM/YYYY) prevents confusion and miscommunication. This skill is particularly valuable for financial reporting, project management, and data analysis roles.

Efficiency and Automation

Mastering date format changes allows users to automate data processing tasks. This knowledge enables quick conversion of raw data into usable formats. The ability to manipulate date formats saves time when handling large datasets or regular reporting tasks.

Data Analysis Applications

Proper date formatting is crucial for accurate timeline analysis and trend tracking. It enables effective use of date-based functions and formulas in Google Sheets. This skill helps create accurate charts, graphs, and pivot tables that rely on date-based data.

Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable

Google Sheets is a widely-used spreadsheet tool for managing and analyzing data. Sourcetable, an AI-first spreadsheet, offers a modern alternative with enhanced functionalities. Sourcetable's AI assistant simplifies creating complex formulas and SQL queries, streamlining advanced tasks for users.

One significant advantage of Sourcetable over Google Sheets is its integration with over five hundred data sources. Users can effortlessly search and receive answers to any data-related questions, significantly improving productivity and decision-making. This level of integration makes Sourcetable a powerful tool for data analysis.

For example, when you need to learn how to change the format of a date in Google Sheets, Sourcetable's AI assistant can quickly provide the necessary formula or SQL query. This feature makes complex tasks more accessible, saving users valuable time and reducing the reliance on external tutorials or documentation.

Conclusion

While changing date formats in Google Sheets requires learning specific functions and syntax, Sourcetable's AI chatbot eliminates this complexity entirely.

Sourcetable is an AI spreadsheet that lets you create, analyze, and visualize data just by describing what you want in plain English.

Simply upload your data files of any size and tell Sourcetable's AI what analysis you need - no formulas or technical knowledge required.

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