Are you frustrated because you can’t compare two dates using comparison symbols in Excel? You’re not alone! Many Excel users have fallen victim to this common pitfall. But don’t worry, we’re here to shed some light on this confusing topic. By the end of this article, you’ll understand why Excel behaves this way and learn the correct methods to compare dates in Excel.
The Problem: Why Comparison Symbols Don’t Work with Dates
When you try to compare two dates using comparison symbols like `=`, `>`, `<`, `>=` or `<=` in Excel, you might expect it to work as it does with numbers. Unfortunately, Excel doesn't treat dates as numbers, which leads to unexpected results.
The reason lies in how Excel stores dates. When you enter a date in a cell, Excel converts it into a serial number, which is a numerical value representing the number of days since January 1, 1900. This serial number is then formatted to display as a date. However, when you try to compare two dates using comparison symbols, Excel compares the text strings, not the underlying serial numbers.
A Simple Experiment to Demonstrate the Issue
Let’s try a simple experiment to illustrate the problem:
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Cell C1 |
|---|---|---|
| =TODAY() | =TODAY()-1 | =A1>B1 |
In this example, we’re using the `TODAY()` function to get the current date and subtracting 1 from it in cell B1. Then, we’re trying to compare the two dates using the `>` symbol in cell C1.
What do you think the result will be? Well, you might expect it to return `TRUE`, as the current date is indeed greater than yesterday. But, Excel will return `FALSE`! This is because Excel is comparing the text strings “2023-02-27” and “2023-02-26”, not the underlying serial numbers.
The Solution: Using the Correct Methods to Compare Dates
Don’t worry, there are several ways to compare dates in Excel. Let’s explore them:
Method 1: Using the `DATEVALUE` Function
The `DATEVALUE` function converts a text string into a serial number, which can be compared using comparison symbols. Here’s an updated example:
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Cell C1 |
|---|---|---|
| =TODAY() | =TODAY()-1 | =DATEVALUE(A1)>DATEVALUE(B1) |
By wrapping the date values with the `DATEVALUE` function, we can compare the serial numbers correctly.
Method 2: Using the `EQUIRE` Function
The `EQUIRE` function checks if two values are equal. We can use it to compare dates as well:
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Cell C1 |
|---|---|---|
| =TODAY() | =TODAY()-1 | =EQUIRE(A1,B1) |
In this example, the `EQUIRE` function returns `FALSE`, indicating that the two dates are not equal.
Method 3: Using the `-` Operator
We can also use the `-` operator to compare dates. This method is useful when you want to find the difference between two dates:
| Cell A1 | Cell B1 | Cell C1 |
|---|---|---|
| =TODAY() | =TODAY()-1 | =A1-B1 |
In this example, the `-` operator returns the difference between the two dates, which can be used to compare them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, comparing dates in Excel can be a bit tricky, but understanding how Excel stores dates and using the correct methods can help you achieve your goals. Remember to use the `DATEVALUE` function, `EQUIRE` function, or the `-` operator to compare dates correctly. With practice and patience, you’ll become a master of date comparison in Excel!
If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask in the comments below. Happy Excel-ing!
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Frequently Asked Question
Get ready to unravel the mystery of comparing dates in Excel!
Why can’t I compare two dates using comparison symbols (=, >, <, etc.) in Excel?
The reason is that dates in Excel are actually stored as numbers, specifically the number of days since January 1, 1900. When you try to compare two dates using comparison symbols, Excel is actually comparing the underlying numbers, not the dates themselves. This can lead to unexpected results if the dates are not in the correct format.
How do I ensure that my dates are in the correct format for comparison?
Simple! Make sure your dates are in the standard date format (YYYY-MM-DD) and that the cells containing the dates are formatted as dates (right-click > Format cells > Date). This will ensure that Excel recognizes them as dates and not as text or numbers.
What if I have dates in different formats, like DD/MM/YYYY and MM/DD/YYYY?
No worries! You can use the DATEVALUE function to convert the dates to a standard format. For example, =DATEVALUE(A1) will convert the date in cell A1 to a standard date format. Then, you can compare the resulting values using comparison symbols.
Can I use the <= or >= symbols to compare dates in Excel?
Yes, you can! The <= and >= symbols work perfectly for comparing dates in Excel. For example, =A1 <= TODAY() will return TRUE if the date in cell A1 is on or before the current date.
What if I need to compare dates with times in Excel?
When comparing dates with times, make sure to use the TIME function to extract the time component from the date-time value. For example, =A1 > TIME(12,0,0) will return TRUE if the date-time value in cell A1 is later than 12:00 PM.
