Convert text to dates in Google Sheets
In B2 enter =DATEVALUE(A2), fill it down through B4, and format B2:B4 as dates.
Verified by JosephineAbout 60 secondsIn B2 enter =DATEVALUE(A2), fill it down through B4, and format B2:B4 as dates.
Step-by-step
Open the practice sheetUse the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.
Convert text to datesIn B2 enter =DATEVALUE(A2), fill it down through B4, and format B2:B4 as dates.
Check the resultCompare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.
Shortcut or faster method
Use the menu path shown in the video and keep the target range selected until the change is applied.
Expected result
B2:B4 contains real date values with a date format.
Common mistake
Starting with the wrong cell or range selected.
Troubleshooting
Re-select B2 and repeat the final action. B2:B4 contains real date values with a date format.
Example spreadsheet data
This is the clean fixture used for the verified run.
| Date text | Date |
| 2026-08-01 | |
| 2026-08-15 | |
| 2026-08-31 |
Video transcript
- Open the prepared Practice spreadsheet.
- Open the practice sheet. Use the example data shown below so the result is easy to check.
- Convert text to dates. In B2 enter =DATEVALUE(A2), fill it down through B4, and format B2:B4 as dates.
- Check the result. Compare the finished sheet with the expected result and correct the target range if needed.
- B2:B4 contains real date values with a date format.