Excel 2000 in a Nutshell

Name

DATEVALUE

Synopsis

Unlike the other date functions, DATEVALUE is one that you will rarely use. Probably the only time you will need this function is if you import data from a framesystem. Then DATEVALUE allows you to convert the text dates into the appropriate date value for Excel.

This function allows you to determine the serial number Excel uses to store a date. Since Excel stores all dates as serial numbers, you can easily determine the serial number by formatting the cell as a general number (Format → Cells → Number → General).

To Calculate

=DATEVALUE(Date_Text)

Date_Text

This value can be any date in the range of 1/1/1900 and 12/31/9999. Unlike most other date and time functions, DATEVALUE does not accept a cell reference for the date value. You must type in the actual date value.

Example

DATEVALUE is used to determine the numeric value of a date value, as shown in Figure 13-4.

Figure 13-4. The DATEVALUE determines the numeric value of a date value

Note

Most functions automatically convert a date to its serial number before performing any calculations. Therefore, it is not necessary to use DATEVALUE before using another function that compares dates. The only appropriate use for this function is when you are working with a function that does not know how to interpret a date value.