Date & Time
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=EDATE()
Returns the serial number that represents the date that is the indicated number of months before or after a specified date (the start_date). Use EDATE to calculate maturity dates or due dates that fall on the same day of the month as the date of issue.
Applies To:
Excel for Microsoft 365Excel for Microsoft 365 for MacExcel 2024Excel 2024 for MacExcel 2021Excel 2021 for MacExcel 2019Excel 2016
=EDATE(start_date, months)
Hover argument names in the table for details.
Output typeDate
Popularity45 / 100
VolatileNo
Dynamic ArrayNo
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◧ Arguments
| Argument | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
start_date |
Date | Required | A date that represents the start date. Dates should be entered by using the DATE function, or as results of other formulas or functions. For example, use DATE(2008,5,23) for the 23rd day of May, 2008. Problems can occur if dates are entered as text. |
months |
Number | Required | The number of months before or after start_date. A positive value for months yields a future date; a negative value yields a past date. |
▣ Examples
▦ Data
| Cell | Value |
|---|---|
A2 |
Date |
A3 |
15-Jan-11 |
A4 |
Date |
A5 |
15-Jan-11 |
The date, one month after the date above
=EDATE(A2,1)
Result:
15-Feb-11
The date, one month before the date above
=EDATE(A2,-1)
Result:
15-Dec-10
The date, two months after the date above
=EDATE(A2,2)
Result:
15-Mar-11
§ Remarks
- Microsoft Excel stores dates as sequential serial numbers so they can be used in calculations. By default, January 1, 1900 is serial number 1, and January 1, 2008 is serial number 39448 because it is 39,448 days after January 1, 1900.
- If start_date is not a valid date, EDATE returns the #VALUE! error value.
- If months is not an integer, it is truncated.
✦ Tips
- Microsoft Excel stores dates as sequential serial numbers so they can be used in calculations. By default, January 1, 1900 is serial number 1, and January 1, 2008 is serial number 39448 because it is 39,448 days after January 1, 1900.
- If months is not an integer, it is truncated.
⚠ Common Errors
#VALUE!
If start_date is not a valid date, EDATE returns the #VALUE! error value.
Fix: Check the two arguments
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