Converting a date to a day of the week in Excel might seem complicated, but it’s actually quite simple. Using Excel functions like TEXT or WEEKDAY, you can easily transform any date into its corresponding day of the week. This guide will walk you through each step to ensure you can do it with ease.
How to Convert Date to Day of Week in Excel
In this section, we’ll cover the step-by-step process to convert a date to a day of the week in Excel. By following these steps, you’ll be able to make Excel display the day of the week for any given date.
Step 1: Open Your Excel Worksheet
Open the Excel worksheet where you have the dates you want to convert.
Make sure your data is organized in a column so that you can easily apply the formulas we’ll discuss.
Step 2: Select the Cell for the Result
Select the cell where you want the day of the week to be displayed.
This will be the cell where you enter the formula to show the corresponding day of the week.
Step 3: Enter the TEXT Function
In the selected cell, type the formula =TEXT(A1, "dddd")
.
Replace A1
with the cell reference of the date you want to convert.
Step 4: Press Enter
Press Enter to apply the formula.
The cell should now display the day of the week for the specified date.
Step 5: Copy the Formula
Drag the fill handle to copy the formula to other cells if you have multiple dates.
This ensures that all dates in your selected range will show the corresponding days of the week.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your dates should be converted to the respective days of the week in Excel.
Tips for Converting Date to Day of Week in Excel
- If you want a shorter day name, use
=TEXT(A1, "ddd")
instead of=TEXT(A1, "dddd")
. - The
WEEKDAY
function can also be used to convert dates to numbers representing days of the week, where 1 = Sunday, 2 = Monday, etc. - To change the start of the week (e.g., Monday instead of Sunday), use the
WEEKDAY
function with a second argument like this:=WEEKDAY(A1, 2)
. - If you’re dealing with non-English day names, you can adjust the regional settings in Excel.
- Use conditional formatting to highlight weekends by checking if the day is Saturday or Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I convert a date to the day of the week in Excel?
Use the TEXT
function with the format =TEXT(A1, "dddd")
.
What if I want the day of the week as a number?
Use the WEEKDAY
function, like =WEEKDAY(A1)
.
How do I display only the first three letters of the day?
Use =TEXT(A1, "ddd")
for abbreviated day names.
Can I change the start of the week to Monday?
Yes, use =WEEKDAY(A1, 2)
to start the week on Monday.
Is there a way to convert dates to days of the week in bulk?
Yes, drag the fill handle of the cell with the formula to copy it to other cells.
Summary
- Open your Excel worksheet.
- Select the cell for the result.
- Enter the TEXT function.
- Press Enter.
- Copy the formula.
Conclusion
Converting a date to the day of the week in Excel is easier than you might think. With simple functions like TEXT
and WEEKDAY
, you can transform any date into a readable day name. Whether you’re working on a project, planning a schedule, or just curious about what day of the week a particular date falls on, these tools can be highly beneficial.
Remember, Excel is a powerful tool that can make your life easier if you know how to use it. Now that you know how to convert date to day of the week in Excel, you can explore other features and formulas to boost your productivity. Don’t stop hereākeep learning and experimenting! Excel has a lot more to offer than you might realize.
Happy Excel-ing!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.