How To Make A Date Column In Google Sheets

How to Make a Date Column in Google Sheets

Creating a date column in Google Sheets is a fundamental task for organizing your data. You can easily enter and format dates, making your data analysis more efficient.

In this guide, we'll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to add and format a date column. Additionally, we'll explore why Sourcetable is a better alternative to using Google Sheets.

How to Make a Date Column in Google Sheets

Creating a Date Column

To create a date column in Google Sheets, enter a date in a cell. Click and hold the square handle at the cell's bottom right corner, then drag the selection to cover the desired cells. Release the mouse button to populate the column with dates.

Automatic Date Series

Use the autofill feature to create a series of dates. Enter dates in at least two adjacent cells, highlight the cells, and drag the blue box down or across to continue the series.

Formatting Date Columns

To change the date format, select the cells, go to Format > Number, and choose Date or Date time. For custom formats, navigate to Format > Number > Custom date and time.

Using Date Functions

The DATE function in Google Sheets converts year, month, and day inputs into a date. Ensure inputs are numerical; otherwise, a #VALUE! error will occur. Example: =DATE(2022, 6, 29).

Applying Date Formats with QUERY

Use the QUERY function to change date formats. Example: =QUERY(A1:C7,"select * format B 'd-mmm-yy (ddd)'"). This modifies the format in column B.

Converting and Referencing Dates

To filter dates using QUERY and reference cells, use the TEXT function to convert dates to the 'yyyy-mm-dd' format. Example: =TEXT(A1,"yyyy-mm-dd").

Comparing Google Sheets and Sourcetable: Answering Your Data Questions

Sourcetable is an AI-first spreadsheet equipped with an AI assistant that simplifies complex spreadsheet tasks like writing formulas and SQL queries. Unlike Google Sheets, which requires manual input for such tasks, Sourcetable automates and accelerates the process, making advanced functionalities accessible to everyone.

One major advantage of Sourcetable over Google Sheets is its integration with over five hundred data sources. This extensive integration allows users to search and query data effortlessly, eliminating the need for external tools or manual data entry. In contrast, Google Sheets often requires additional plugins and manual data handling to achieve similar results.

If you're frequently searching for how to perform tasks such as making a date column in Google Sheets, Sourcetable offers a more streamlined solution. The AI assistant in Sourcetable can instantly create date columns or any other complex data structure, saving you valuable time and reducing errors.

With Sourcetable, complex and time-consuming tasks are made simple, allowing you to focus on data analysis rather than data management. This makes Sourcetable a superior choice for users who need quick, reliable answers to their data questions.

Conclusion

Creating a date column in Google Sheets can be streamlined with the right tools. Sourcetable makes answering these questions easy.

With Sourcetable, you can integrate third-party tools to access real-time data. The interface is designed for team collaboration.

Sourcetable AI simplifies automation in spreadsheets and helps you answer any questions about formulas and data. Try Sourcetable today and see how it can improve your workflow.

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