How to Get Month Name from Date in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting the month name from a date in Excel is a useful trick, whether you’re sorting data, creating reports, or just need to display the month name. It can be done using simple formulas. In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to extract and display the month name from a given date in Excel.

How to get Month Name from Date in Excel

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll walk you through using Excel formulas to convert a date into the month name. By following these steps, you’ll be able to extract the month name from any date in your spreadsheet.

Step 1: Open Excel

Start by opening Microsoft Excel on your computer.

Having Excel open is crucial for beginning any task within the software. Ensure you have a new or existing worksheet ready to work on.

Step 2: Enter a Date

Enter a date into a cell in your worksheet. For example, you could type "1/15/2023" into cell A1.

This step provides the base data you’ll use. Ensure your date is entered correctly in a recognizable format.

Step 3: Select a Cell for the Month Name

Choose a cell where you want the month name to appear. For example, you could select cell B1.

Selecting the destination cell allows you to control where your month name result will be displayed.

Step 4: Enter the Formula

In the selected cell, type the formula =TEXT(A1,"mmmm") and press Enter.

This formula converts the date in cell A1 to the full month name. The TEXT function formats the date as specified in the quotation marks.

Step 5: Verify the Result

Check the cell to see if the month name appears. For instance, it should display "January" if you entered "1/15/2023".

This step helps you confirm that the formula is working correctly and that the month name is displayed as expected.

By completing these steps, you will have successfully extracted the month name from a date in Excel.

Tips for Getting the Month Name from Date in Excel

1. Use the Correct Date Format: Ensure your dates are entered in a format recognized by Excel (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY).
2. Use Different Month Formats: If you prefer the abbreviated month name, use =TEXT(A1,"mmm") to get results like "Jan".
3. Use Named Ranges: For better readability, name your range instead of using cell references directly.
4. Automate with Drag: After entering the formula, you can drag the fill handle to apply it to adjacent cells.
5. Check for Errors: If the formula doesn’t work, double-check your cell references and date formats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the month name for multiple dates in one go?

Yes, you can drag the fill handle (small square at the cell corner) to apply the formula to adjacent cells.

What if my dates are in different cells?

Adapt the formula to reference the correct cell for each date. For example, use =TEXT(B1,"mmmm") if your date is in cell B1.

Can I use this formula in Excel Online?

Absolutely, the TEXT function works in both the desktop and online versions of Excel.

Why does my formula return an error?

Check that your date is properly formatted and that you are referencing the correct cell. Also, ensure no typos in the formula.

Can I change the month name language?

Yes, by adjusting your regional settings in Excel, you can display month names in different languages.

Summary

1. Open Excel.
2. Enter a date.
3. Select a cell for the month name.
4. Enter the formula =TEXT(A1,"mmmm").
5. Verify the result.

Conclusion

Extracting the month name from a date in Excel is a straightforward task that can save you time and make your data more readable. Whether you’re organizing data for a report or need a refined display, knowing how to use the TEXT function effectively is invaluable.

For those who frequently work with dates, this method is like having a Swiss Army knife in your Excel toolbox. It’s versatile and straightforward, making your data manipulation more efficient. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring more Excel functions to further enhance your skills. Happy Excel-ing!