DATEVALUE in WPS converts text dates into date serial numbers for spreadsheet calculations; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
DATEVALUE is a date function in WPS Spreadsheet that converts a text-formatted date into a date serial number that can be used in calculations. You can insert it from the Insert Function dialog box, type it directly in a cell or the formula bar, and review its syntax as DATEVALUE(date_text) in the function help panel.
Core tasks in this guide include:
- Insert DATEVALUE from the Insert Function dialog box.
- Type
=DATEVALUE(...)directly in a cell or the formula bar. - Review the syntax, parameter meaning, and help entry for the function.
Typical use cases include cleaning imported text dates, preparing date columns for sorting and filtering, and standardizing date values before further calculations.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | No mandatory internet connection is required for local formula entry and calculation; internet access is needed for online help pages |
| Other | An editable spreadsheet file and either cells containing text dates or blank cells for formula entry |
Download & Installation
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Post-install check | Open WPS Spreadsheet, go to the Formulas tab, and confirm that the Insert Function button is available |
Source: WPS Download Center
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | WPS provides the DATEVALUE function to convert text dates into date serial numbers, with support for both dialog-based insertion and direct formula entry. | Excel DATEVALUE converts a date stored as text into a serial number that Excel recognizes as a date, and it can then be used for filtering, sorting, formatting, and date calculations. | Google Sheets DATEVALUE converts a provided date string in a known format into a date value that can continue to work in formulas. | Notion formulas support date functions such as parseDate, formatDate, dateAdd, and dateBetween, but there is no same-name DATEVALUE spreadsheet function. | Adobe Acrobat Sign calculated fields support date expressions such as date(string), dateAdd, and dateDiff, which are designed for form calculations rather than spreadsheet formulas. |
| Official Source | — | Microsoft DATEVALUE function | Google Sheets DATEVALUE | Notion formula syntax | Adobe calculated fields |
Advantage: WPS fits a spreadsheet workflow directly, letting you insert the function from the function dialog or type it in the formula bar for everyday date conversion tasks.
Overall Conclusion
If your main goal is to convert text dates into values that can be calculated in a spreadsheet, WPS, Microsoft Excel, and Google Sheets all provide a direct function for that task. Notion and Adobe are more suitable for database formulas or form-field calculations. For everyday spreadsheet entry and formula editing, WPS follows a familiar spreadsheet workflow.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable Users | Main Challenge | How DATEVALUE Helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Converting imported text dates | Data cleanup users | Imported dates stay as text and cannot be used in date calculations | Convert the text into date serial numbers with DATEVALUE |
| 2 | Preparing date columns before sorting or filtering | Office users | Text dates do not sort in chronological order | Convert first, then apply a date format |
| 3 | Combining with other date formulas | Spreadsheet analysts | Text dates do not work reliably in later formulas | Convert to serial numbers before using other date functions |
| 4 | Checking whether a date string is recognized | Beginners | It is unclear whether the entered format can be recognized | Review the parameter format in the function dialog and help entry |
| 5 | Filling the same conversion formula down a column | Report users | Multiple cells need the same date conversion formula | Enter the formula once, then fill down or copy it |
Membership & Benefits
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free Users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic WPS Spreadsheet functions | ✅ | ✅ |
| DATEVALUE formula entry and calculation | ✅ | ✅ |
| Basic spreadsheet editing | ✅ | ✅ |
| Some advanced PDF, AI, and expanded storage features | Limited or unavailable | Available depending on the subscription plan |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage Scenario | Recommended Plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday spreadsheet entry and basic date conversion | Free | DATEVALUE is a basic spreadsheet function and is suitable for regular office work |
| Users who also need more extended tools and subscription benefits | WPS Premium | Suitable when you need additional value-added features beyond basic spreadsheet work |
How to Subscribe
- Subscription page: Open the WPS pricing page
- Before subscribing, review the current plan details, supported platforms, and included benefits.
Source: WPS Office pricing page