How to Add Months to Date in Excel
Adding months to a date in Excel is a common task that can be achieved using various methods. Whether you are working with a single date or a range of dates, Excel provides several ways to add months efficiently. In this article, we will explore different techniques to add months to a date in Excel, including using formulas, functions, and even the Date Picker.
Using Formulas to Add Months
One of the simplest ways to add months to a date in Excel is by using formulas. The most commonly used formula for adding months is the EDATE function. This function returns a date that is a specified number of months before or after a given date.
To use the EDATE function, follow these steps:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the new date.
2. Enter the formula: =EDATE(start_date, months_to_add).
3. Replace “start_date” with the cell reference of the original date.
4. Replace “months_to_add” with the number of months you want to add.
For example, if you want to add 5 months to the date in cell A1, the formula would be: =EDATE(A1, 5).
Using the Date Picker
Another quick and easy way to add months to a date in Excel is by using the Date Picker. This feature is available in the ribbon menu and allows you to select a date and add or subtract months from it.
To use the Date Picker to add months:
1. Select the cell where you want to display the new date.
2. Go to the “Insert” tab in the ribbon menu.
3. Click on “Date and Time” in the “Text” group.
4. A Date Picker dialog box will appear. Select the date you want to add months to.
5. In the “Number of months” field, enter the number of months you want to add.
6. Click “OK” to apply the changes.
Using Functions to Add Months
In addition to the EDATE function, Excel offers other functions that can be used to add months to a date. The following functions can be used for similar purposes:
– DATE: Returns the serial number of a particular date.
– DATEVALUE: Converts a text string representing a date to a serial number.
– MONTH: Returns the month of a given date.
– YEAR: Returns the year of a given date.
To use these functions, you can combine them with the EDATE function or use them individually based on your requirements.
Conclusion
Adding months to a date in Excel is a straightforward process that can be achieved using various methods. Whether you prefer using formulas, functions, or the Date Picker, Excel provides the necessary tools to perform this task efficiently. By familiarizing yourself with these techniques, you can save time and enhance your Excel skills.
