This FAQ covers common issues with YEAR formula entry, unexpected results, and batch use, along with a short glossary.
FAQ
Why does the YEAR function return #VALUE!?
- Check whether the parameter is a valid date, a date cell, or the result of a formula that returns a date.
- If the parameter comes from text data, confirm that the text can be recognized as a date format.
- Remove extra spaces or unrelated characters and calculate again.
- Re-enter the formula and confirm that the reference inside the parentheses is correct.
Why is the YEAR result different from what I expected?
- Check whether the referenced cell actually contains the target date.
- Confirm that the displayed cell format matches the stored value.
- If the date comes from another formula, review that formula result first.
- If needed, select the parameter again to avoid referencing the wrong cell.
How to extract year from date in WPS for multiple cells at once?
- Enter the correct YEAR formula in the first cell.
- Move the pointer to the fill handle at the lower-right corner of the cell.
- Drag downward or double-click the fill handle to copy the formula to adjacent cells.
- Check whether relative references behave as expected, and switch to absolute references if needed.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| YEAR | A spreadsheet function that returns the year from a specified date. |
| serial_number | The date parameter used by the YEAR function, usually a date value or date serial value recognized by the spreadsheet. |
| fill handle | The small square at the lower-right corner of a cell that can be used to copy formulas or series quickly. |