Ever wondered how to handle dates in WPS Excel? You're not alone. It can seem like a puzzle with all the different date formats available. But don't worry! In this article, we'll turn that confusion into clarity. We'll show you how to use Excel date functions in WPS Office to easily change date formats. Get ready to make dates work for you, not vice versa.
What Is the Excel Date Function?
The Excel DATE function is a key feature in Excel, introduced from the 2010 version onwards, that allows users to handle date values effectively rather than treating them as plain text. It allows users to input and manipulate calendar data, including time, day, month, and year and produces valid dates based on the input.
This function significantly simplifies date and time manipulation tasks by automatically updating the calendar data. The DATE function boosts Excel's dynamic capabilities and reduces the manual effort required for calendar-related tasks. As we delve further into its syntax and application, the utility and efficiency of the Excel DATE function will become more apparent.
How to Use Date Function in WPS Excel?
The DATE function in WPS Excel is useful for working with dates. It allows you to create a date value from individual year, month, and day components, which can be numbers or cell references that contain numbers.
To use the DATE function, you must provide the following syntax:
=DATE(year, month, day)
These are the simple steps to use Excel Date Functions in WPS Office:
Step 1: Open the WPS Excel program and open a new or existing spreadsheet where you want to use the date function.
Step 2: Click on the cell where you want to display the date.
Step 3: In the selected cell, type =DATE( to start your function.
Step 4: After the parenthesis, you input three numbers separated by commas. These represent the year, month, and day respectively. For example, if you want to display the date for the 17th of January 2018, your function would look like this: =DATE(2018,1,17).
Step 5: After inputting the year, month, and day, close the parentheses. Your function should look something like this: =DATE(2018,1,17).
Step 6: Press the enter key to execute the function. The cell will now display the date you inputted, in this case, 17-Jan-2018.
Example
Let's say you have a spreadsheet where you've been given the year, month, and day in separate columns (A, B, and C, respectively), and you want to combine them to form a properly formatted date.
For instance, let's assume the data in cells A1, B1, and C1 is 2023, 7, and 29, respectively. Click on the cell where you want the date displayed, say D1. Start typing the formula: =DATE(. Now, instead of directly typing the year, month, and day, you'll reference the cells that contain these values. Complete the formula: =DATE(A1, B1, C1). Press Enter. Cell D1 should now display the date as 29 July 2023.
How to Use Date Function to Change Date Format in WPS Excel?
Step 1: Open your WPS Spreadsheet and go to the table containing students' date of birth.
Step 2: Select the cell where you want the formatted date placed. For example, cell E2.
Step 3: Go to the "Formulas" tab and click the "Insert Function" option.
Step 4: In the search box, type "Date" and select the "Date" function from the list, then click "OK."
Step 5: A "Function Arguments" dialog box will appear. Here, you'll be asked to enter the "Year," "Month," and "Day" values.
Step 6: Select the appropriate cells for each field in the dialog box. For example, select cell B2 for "Year," C2 for "Month," and D2 for "Day."
Step 7: Once you've selected all the required cells, click "OK."
The cell you selected in step 2 (E2) should now display the date in a standard format.
Microsoft Office Compatibility in WPS
WPS Office stands out as a versatile office suite software, primarily due to its robust compatibility with all versions of Microsoft Office. This versatility ensures users can create, edit, and manage content across various platforms without disruption.
Irrespective of the version of Microsoft Windows or Office being used, WPS Office provides an adaptable, user-friendly experience, even allowing for document transfer and editing across different devices. WPS Office effectively mitigates system and device limitations, making it a universally accessible platform.
How to Download the WPS Office?
Step 1: Launch your favorite web browser and head to the official WPS Office website using the link: https://www.wps.com/.
Step 2: Once you're on the main page, look for the 'Free Download' button and click on it. The site will automatically determine the right version for your operating system.
Step 3: The download should commence by itself. Suppose it doesn't, look for an option to manually trigger the download.
Step 4: When the file is downloaded, you can find it in your Downloads folder (or the location where your browser saves downloaded files).
Step 5: To initiate the installation, double-click the downloaded file.
Step 6: After the installation concludes, you can access WPS Office from your app menu or via a desktop icon (this depends on your device and its settings).
To use the WPS Spreadsheet, simply open your WPS Office program, and within it, you will find the option to open the Spreadsheet component. This tool lets you generate and modify spreadsheets, offering great interoperability with other renowned spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel.
While WPS Office is free for personal use, a premium subscription with enhanced features is also available. Moreover, WPS Office is well-known for its robust compatibility with Microsoft Office file formats, which makes it a top choice for individuals or businesses seeking an economical productivity suite.
FAQS
Can I Use Date Functions in WPS Office Across Different Platforms?
Yes, you can use date functions in WPS Office across various platforms. WPS Office is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, facilitating the use of date functions regardless of the platform.
Can I Use Date Functions in Collaboration with My Team in Real-Time?
You can use date functions collaboratively with your team in real-time. WPS Office has features that support simultaneous collaboration on spreadsheets, enabling you and your team to work together seamlessly.
Does WPS Office Offer Any Templates for Date-Related Calculations?
Yes, WPS Office does offer templates that can aid in date-related calculations. They provide a comprehensive range of templates tailored for various purposes, including those for date calculations and planning tasks.
Summary
This article explains how to use Excel date functions in WPS Office, a tool for handling and manipulating date values. Using the DATE function in WPS Excel is straightforward: simply select a cell and enter the function, specifying the year, month, and day. Changing date formats is equally simple, involving the "Insert Function" option from the "Formulas" tab.
WPS Office is an impressive alternative to Microsoft Office due to its strong compatibility with all versions of Microsoft Office, allowing seamless work across various platforms and devices. Its versatility makes WPS Office a highly recommended tool for universal accessibility and ease of use.
