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Last updated:July 8, 2026

Use DATE through 3 operation topics: insert it from the function dialog, type the formula directly, or review the syntax and argument help; all 3 topics are available without membership and 0 are membership-related.

How-to Index

No.TaskMembership Requirement
11. Insert DATE from the Insert Function dialogFree
22. Type the formula directly in a cellFree
33. Check the syntax and argument helpFree

How-to Guide

1. Insert DATE from the Insert Function dialog

Entry path: Formula tab → Insert Function, or the fx button in the formula bar

  1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Click the fx button in the formula bar, or click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
  3. Search for DATE in the Insert Function dialog.
  4. Select the function and click OK.
  5. Enter the arguments in the Function Arguments dialog.
  6. Click OK to finish inserting the function.

Success Check

  • The selected cell now contains the DATE function.
  • After you confirm the arguments, the cell returns the corresponding date serial number or shows a date based on the cell format.

Notes

  • Keep the argument order as year, month, day.
  • Separate arguments with commas.

2. Type the formula directly in a cell

Entry path: The target cell or the formula bar

  1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Type =DATE(...) directly in the cell or in the formula bar.
  3. Press Enter to confirm.
  4. If you want to review the argument help, type =DATE( and then press F1.

Success Check

  • The DATE formula has been entered in the cell.
  • After you press Enter, the calculation result appears.

Notes

  • Check the parentheses and commas before confirming the formula.
  • If the result appears as a serial number, change the cell format to a date format.

3. Check the syntax and argument help

Entry path: Formula tab → Insert Function

  1. Click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
  2. Enter DATE in the search box.
  3. Select the function and review the syntax DATE(year, month, day).
  4. Click the help link for more details.

Success Check

  • You can see the standard DATE syntax and argument order.
  • You can return to the worksheet and continue entering or editing the formula.

Notes

  • This is useful when you want to confirm the argument order before entering the formula.
  • The help content can also help you understand the arguments more clearly.