gptAI
Home

Get Month Name From Date In Excel: Easy Steps Explained

9 min read 11-15- 2024
Get Month Name From Date In Excel: Easy Steps Explained

Table of Contents :

To retrieve the month name from a date in Excel can be a straightforward process, but it may seem a bit daunting if you're unfamiliar with Excel functions. Whether you want to display the full month name, such as "January," or the abbreviated version, like "Jan," Excel has a variety of tools that can help you accomplish this task easily. In this article, we'll explore several methods to extract the month name from a date, complete with step-by-step instructions and practical examples.

Understanding Dates in Excel

In Excel, dates are stored as serial numbers. This means that each date is represented by a unique number that corresponds to the number of days since a base date (which is typically January 1, 1900). For instance, the date January 1, 2020, is represented as the serial number 43831. Knowing this is crucial as it influences how Excel treats and displays date information.

Methods to Get Month Name from Date

There are several methods to extract the month name from a date in Excel. Below, we will discuss four primary methods: using the TEXT function, using the FORMAT function (in Excel 365 or Excel 2021), using the MONTH function in conjunction with the CHOOSE function, and leveraging Excel's custom formatting options.

1. Using the TEXT Function

The TEXT function is one of the easiest ways to convert a date into a month name.

Syntax of the TEXT Function

TEXT(value, format_text)
  • value: The date you want to convert.
  • format_text: The format you want to apply.

Steps to Use the TEXT Function

  1. Select the cell where you want the month name to appear.

  2. Enter the formula:

    =TEXT(A1, "mmmm")

    Here, A1 represents the cell containing the date you wish to convert. Using "mmmm" will give you the full month name, while using "mmm" will give you the abbreviated month name.

  3. Press Enter. The cell will now display the month name corresponding to the date in A1.

Example

If cell A1 contains the date 04/15/2023, entering the formula =TEXT(A1, "mmmm") would return "April", while =TEXT(A1, "mmm") would return "Apr".

2. Using the FORMAT Function (Excel 365 or Excel 2021)

If you're using Excel 365 or Excel 2021, you can also use the FORMAT function to get the month name from a date.

Syntax of the FORMAT Function

FORMAT(value, format_text)

Steps to Use the FORMAT Function

  1. Click on the cell where you want to display the month name.

  2. Enter the formula:

    =FORMAT(A1, "MMMM")
    • MMMM gives the full month name.
    • MMM gives the abbreviated month name.

  3. Press Enter. The month name will appear in the selected cell.

3. Using the MONTH and CHOOSE Functions

For those who prefer a more manual approach, you can use the MONTH function combined with the CHOOSE function to extract the month name.

Syntax of the MONTH Function

MONTH(serial_number)

Steps to Use MONTH and CHOOSE Functions

  1. Choose a cell for your formula.

  2. Enter the formula:

    =CHOOSE(MONTH(A1), "January", "February", "March", "April", "May", "June", "July", "August", "September", "October", "November", "December")

  3. Press Enter. The cell will display the month name for the date in A1.

Example

If cell A1 contains the date 02/21/2023, this formula will return "February".

4. Custom Formatting Options

Another method is using Excel's custom formatting feature to display the month name directly in the cell without changing the underlying date value.

Steps for Custom Formatting

  1. Select the cell with the date.
  2. Right-click and choose Format Cells.
  3. Go to the Number tab and select Custom.
  4. In the Type box, enter mmmm for the full month name or mmm for the abbreviated month name.
  5. Click OK.

Now, the cell will visually represent the month name while still retaining the date functionality.

Summary of Methods

Here’s a quick summary of the methods discussed:

<table> <tr> <th>Method</th> <th>Formula/Steps</th> <th>Output</th> </tr> <tr> <td>TEXT Function</td> <td>=TEXT(A1, "mmmm")</td> <td>Full Month Name</td> </tr> <tr> <td>FORMAT Function</td> <td>=FORMAT(A1, "MMMM")</td> <td>Full Month Name</td> </tr> <tr> <td>MONTH + CHOOSE Function</td> <td>=CHOOSE(MONTH(A1), "January", "February", ...)</td> <td>Full Month Name</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Custom Formatting</td> <td>Format Cells > Custom > Type: mmmm</td> <td>Full Month Name</td> </tr> </table>

Important Notes

  • Regional Settings: Depending on your Excel regional settings, month names may display in different languages. If you change the language settings of Excel, the month names will adapt accordingly.
  • Dynamic Data: When using the TEXT or FORMAT functions, changes in the original date will automatically reflect in the month name displayed in the formula cell.
  • Performance: If you're working with a large dataset, consider the potential performance impact of using complex formulas.

Conclusion

Extracting the month name from a date in Excel is a skill that can greatly enhance your data analysis and reporting capabilities. Whether you choose to use the TEXT function for ease, the FORMAT function for newer versions of Excel, or the combination of MONTH and CHOOSE for more control, each method offers its benefits.

With these simple steps, you can ensure your spreadsheets are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Take the time to practice these methods, and soon, retrieving the month name from any date will become second nature in your Excel repertoire! 🎉

Featured Posts