DATE Function: syntax, examples, mistakes and translation notes
Builds a date from year, month and day.
Syntax
=DATE(year, month, day)
Arguments
year
Year component.
month
Month component; Excel can normalize values outside 1–12.
day
Day component; Excel can normalize overflow/underflow.
Worked examples
=DATE(2026,9,12)
Builds the date 12 September 2026.
=DATE(YEAR(A2),MONTH(A2)+1,1)
Builds the first day of the following month.
Practical tips
- DATE is safer than ambiguous typed date strings in formulas.
- Combine with YEAR/MONTH/DAY to reconstruct or shift dates.
- Remember that dates are stored as serial numbers under the cell formatting.
Common mistakes
- Passing a two-digit year and assuming the intended century.
- Comparing real dates to text that only looks like a date.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
What does DATE do?
Builds a date from year, month and day.
Why might a DATE formula return an unexpected result?
Passing a two-digit year and assuming the intended century. Start by testing the smallest referenced range or condition independently before adding wrappers or fallbacks.
Check the complete formula
Function syntax is only one part of a working workbook. Paste the finished expression into the Formula Checker for structural warnings, the Formatter for readability or the Translator when a supported locale mapping is involved.
Testing note: examples are educational. Spreadsheet versions, locale settings, tables, named ranges and workbook data can change behavior, so validate important formulas with representative data.