How to Use the DATEVALUE Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

Use DATEVALUE through 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry path and steps.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the DATEVALUE functionFree
22. Fill in arguments with syntax promptsFree
33. Use DATEVALUE with a cross-sheet referenceFree
44. Check automatic recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the DATEVALUE function

Entry path: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Continue by typing DATEVALUE(.
  4. Check whether the function syntax prompt appears.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell enters formula editing mode and shows DATEVALUE-related prompts.
  • What you can do next: You can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If you do not type the equals sign first, the content may be treated as plain text.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry path: formula bar

  1. After DATEVALUE(, enter the date text argument.
  2. Review the syntax prompt for argument requirements and examples.
  3. Add the closing parenthesis.
  4. Press Enter to confirm the calculation.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The cell shows a calculated result.
  • What you can do next: The result can be used in other formulas.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: An unclosed parenthesis or incorrect separator can cause a formula error.

3. Use DATEVALUE with a cross-sheet reference

Entry path: formula bar

  1. Select the target cell and type =DATEVALUE(.
  2. Switch to the worksheet that contains the date text.
  3. Select the cell you want to reference.
  4. Complete the formula and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The formula includes a cross-sheet reference.
  • What you can do next: The returned value can be used for sorting, filtering, or further calculation.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the referenced cell does not contain recognizable date text, the result may not display as expected.

4. Check automatic recalculation

Entry path: result cell that already contains DATEVALUE

  1. Find the original date text cell referenced by DATEVALUE.
  2. Change the original date text.
  3. Return to the result cell.
  4. Confirm that the result updates with the data change.

Success Criteria

  • Interface result: The result cell updates automatically.
  • What you can do next: The updated result can continue to be used in later analysis.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: If the original text format is not recognized as a valid date format, the result may be incorrect.