Convert Date to Text in Google Sheets: Easy Steps

How to Convert Date to Text in Google Sheets

Converting dates to text in Google Sheets is a common task that can be accomplished using various methods. This guide will explore the different ways to convert dates to text, ensuring that your data is displayed exactly as you need it.

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Google Sheets Convert Date to Text

The most straightforward method to convert a date to text in Google Sheets is by using the TEXT function. This function allows you to convert a numeric value, including dates, to text in a specified format. Here's how you can use it:

'=TEXT(A1, "mm-dd-yyyy")'

In this formula, A1 represents the cell containing the date you want to convert, and "mm-dd-yyyy" is the format in which you want the date to be displayed as text. You can customize the date format string according to your needs, such as using "dd-mm-yyyy" for day-month-year format.

Google Sheets Format Date as Text

Another approach to display dates as text is by changing the cell's format. This method doesn't convert the date value but rather changes how it is displayed:

1. Copy the date column to another column to preserve the original dates.
2. Select the copied column.
3. Go to the menu Format -> Number -> Plain text.

This method ensures the dates are displayed as text but keeps them in their original date format.

How to Convert Date to Text in Google Sheets

For more complex scenarios, such as converting datetime values to text, you can still use the TEXT function with a different format string:

'=TEXT(A1,"yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss")'

This formula converts both the date and time from cell A1 into a text string. Adjust the format string to match your desired output format for datetime values.

Convert Date to Text Google Sheets

If you encounter dates in various formats and need to convert them to text while preserving the original format, you can use Google Apps Script or a combination of functions like TEXTJOIN. However, these methods require more complex setups and are generally used for specific cases where the standard TEXT function does not suffice.

For most users, the TEXT function and changing the cell format method will cover the needs for converting dates to text in Google Sheets.

Discover addons and automations to further enhance your Google Sheets experience. Visit our blog posts on Google Sheets addons, how to automate Google Sheets, and explore a collection of Google Sheets automations.

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