How to Use the EDATE Function in Excel

Today we are going to explore a powerful function available in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets called EDATE. This function is designed to calculate a date that lies a specified number of months away from a given start date, making it invaluable for scheduling and forecasting in spreadsheets.

Basic Syntax

The basic syntax for the EDATE function is:

=EDATE(start_date, months)

• start_date: The anchor date from which the calculation will commence.
• months: The number of months to add to (positive value) or subtract from (negative value) the start date.

Example 1: Calculating Future Dates

Consider a situation where you have a start date in cell A1 (e.g., 2022-01-15), and you need to determine the date that is 3 months in the future. The applicable formula would be:

=EDATE(A1, 3)

Executing this formula will return the date that falls 3 months after the date in cell A1.

Example 2: Calculating Past Dates

To find a date that occurs a number of months prior to the start date, enter a negative number for the months. For example, if you need the date that is 2 months before the date in cell A1, enter:

=EDATE(A1, -2)

Example 3: Generating a Series of Dates

The EDATE function can also be used to generate a sequence of dates. By combining EDATE with a sequence of numbers, you can create a set of dates that are evenly spaced over time. For example, to produce a series of dates, each 1 month apart, beginning from the date in cell A1 and continuing in subsequent cells, the formula would be:

=EDATE($A$1, ROW(A1)-ROW($A$1))

These illustrations demonstrate just a few ways in which the EDATE function can streamline date calculations in Excel and Google Sheets. Whether you’re managing project timelines, financial schedules, or analyzing time-sensitive data, EDATE is an essential tool for your spreadsheet needs.

More information: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/edate-function-3c920eb2-6e66-44e7-a1f5-753ae47ee4f5