How to Use the DATEVALUE Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 20, 2026

This how-to guide includes 4 operation topics, and all 4 are available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the entry path and steps below.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the DATEVALUE functionFree
22. Fill in arguments with syntax promptsFree
33. Use DATEVALUE with cross-sheet referencesFree
44. Combine DATEVALUE with nested formulas and recalculationFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the DATEVALUE function

Entry path: Formulas tab → formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want the result to appear.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Continue by typing DATEVALUE(.
  4. Get ready to enter the date-text argument.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: the cell enters formula input mode and the function name is visible.
  • Next step available: you can continue entering arguments and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: if you do not start with =, the content is treated as plain text.
  • Environment note: you need to be in an editable spreadsheet cell.

2. Fill in arguments with syntax prompts

Entry path: select the target cell → type =DATEVALUE(

  1. After entering the function, check the syntax prompt that appears.
  2. Enter the correct date text or a cell reference as prompted.
  3. Make sure the parentheses are complete.
  4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: the cell shows a calculated result.
  • Next step available: you can format the cell or copy the formula.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: unmatched parentheses or incorrect argument separators can cause a formula error.
  • Environment note: the date text must be in a format the function can recognize.

3. Use DATEVALUE with cross-sheet references

Entry path: target cell → formula bar

  1. Select the cell where you want the result.
  2. Type =DATEVALUE(.
  3. Switch to another worksheet and select the cell that contains the date text.
  4. Complete the closing parenthesis and press Enter.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: the current worksheet returns the converted result.
  • Next step available: you can use that result in other calculations.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: if the referenced cell does not contain recognizable date text, the formula may return an error.
  • Environment note: the referenced worksheet must exist and the cell content must be readable.

4. Combine DATEVALUE with nested formulas and recalculation

Entry path: target cell → formula bar

  1. Enter a combined formula that includes DATEVALUE.
  2. Use the DATEVALUE result as part of another calculation.
  3. Press Enter to view the result.
  4. Change the referenced data and check whether the result updates.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: the combined formula returns a result, and the result updates when the source data changes.
  • Next step available: you can copy the formula to other cells or extend the calculation.

Tips While Using

  • Common mistake: text numbers or invalid dates in referenced content can affect the final result.
  • Environment note: if workbook calculation is not automatic, run recalculation and check the result again.