<< Go back to all functions

TO_DATE

The TO_DATE function in Google Sheets is a powerful tool to convert a provided number to a date. Whether you need to convert a serial number, timestamp, or a specific format, the TO_DATE function simplifies the task. Dive into our comprehensive guide to master its application.

Function Syntax and Parameters

Syntax: TO_DATE(value)

Parameters:

  • value: The number or string to convert to a date.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

  1. Converting a serial number to a date:

    • Example: =TO_DATE(43651)
    • Result: 02/24/2019
  2. Converting a timestamp to a date:

    • Example: If a cell A1 contains the value 1551284612, then =TO_DATE(A1) will return 02/27/2019.
  3. Converting a string with a specific format to a date:

    • Example: =TO_DATE("2022-12-31")
    • Result: 12/31/2022

Use Cases and Scenarios

  1. Financial Analysis: Convert serial numbers representing dates to actual dates for analysis.
  2. Data Import: Convert timestamp values to date format for easier interpretation.
  3. Data Cleanup: Convert string dates with different formats to a consistent date format.

Related Articles