How to Use

Use DATEVALUE through 3 how-to topics, all available directly in WPS Spreadsheet; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps to complete it.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Insert DATEVALUE from the Insert Function dialog box

Entry path: Formulas tab → Insert Function

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 Formulas tab.
3. Search for DATEVALUE in the Insert Function dialog box.
4. Select the function and click OK.
5. Enter the required parameter values in the Function Arguments dialog box.
6. Click OK to finish inserting the function.

Success Criteria

• The current cell contains the DATEVALUE function.
• After confirming the parameter, the cell returns a result or shows the completed formula.
• The formula can be edited, copied, or filled down to other cells.

Tips While Using

• The date_text argument should be a recognizable text date.
• If the result appears as a serial number, apply a date format to the cell to display it as a date.
• If the input is not a valid text date, the formula may return an error value.

2. Type a DATEVALUE formula directly in a cell

Entry path: Cell → Formula bar

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

Success Criteria

• The DATEVALUE formula has been entered in the cell.
• Pressing Enter returns a result or keeps the formula ready for further editing.
• The formula can be copied to other cells for repeated use.

Tips While Using

• Use standard English punctuation for parameter separation.
• If you reference another cell, confirm that the referenced cell contains a text date.
• If the result is not what you expect, check the date text format and local date format habits first.

3. Review DATEVALUE syntax and parameter details

Entry path: Formulas tab → Insert Function

1. Click Insert Function on the Formulas tab.
2. Type DATEVALUE in the search box.
3. Select the function and review the syntax DATEVALUE(date_text).
4. Click the help link for the function to open more detailed information.

Success Criteria

• You can see the DATEVALUE function name, syntax, and parameter area.
• You can confirm the purpose of the date_text parameter.
• You can return to the worksheet and continue entering or editing formulas.

Tips While Using

• The help page is useful for confirming parameter meaning and accepted input formats.
• If the formula returns an error, review the syntax details again and check the parameter content.