7 Easy Ways To Convert Month To Number In Excel

When working with dates in Excel, you may often find the need to convert month names (like January, February) into their corresponding numerical values (1, 2, etc.). Whether you're analyzing data, generating reports, or creating dashboards, knowing how to perform this conversion is a handy skill. So, let’s dive into some easy ways to convert month names to numbers in Excel!

Method 1: Using the MONTH Function

One of the simplest ways to convert a month name to a number is by using the MONTH function. Here’s how to do it:

1. Enter the full date: In cell A1, type a date that includes the month you want to convert, for example, January 1, 2023.
2. Apply the MONTH function: In cell B1, type =MONTH(A1).
3. Press Enter: This will return 1, since January is the first month.

Note: Make sure your date is recognized by Excel as a valid date.

Method 2: Using TEXT Function with MONTH

If you only have the month name (like "March"), you can combine the TEXT function with the MONTH function to convert it:

1. Type the month name: In cell A1, enter the month name, e.g., March.
2. Use the following formula: In cell B1, type =MONTH(DATEVALUE(A1 & " 1")).
3. Press Enter: This will convert March to 3.

Breakdown of the formula

• DATEVALUE(A1 & " 1") creates a date using the month name in A1 and a fixed day (1).
• MONTH(...) extracts the month number from this date.

Method 3: Using VLOOKUP with a Table

You can create a simple table that associates month names with their corresponding numbers and use VLOOKUP:

1. Create a lookup table:

   • In D1, type January, in E1 type 1.
   • In D2, type February, in E2 type 2.
   • Continue this for all months until December.

2. Use VLOOKUP to find the month number: In cell A1, type the month name you want to convert (e.g., May). In cell B1, use:

   =VLOOKUP(A1, D1:E12, 2, FALSE)
   

3. Press Enter: You will get 5 for May.

Advantages of this method

• Easily customizable if you need to add more information about the months.
• Great for larger datasets.

Method 4: Creating a Custom Function with VBA

For advanced users, creating a custom VBA function can be useful. Here’s how to set it up:

1. Open the VBA editor: Press ALT + F11.
2. Insert a new module: Right-click on any of the items in the left pane, select Insert > Module.
3. Paste the following code:

   Function MonthNumber(monthName As String) As Integer
       MonthNumber = Month(DateValue("1 " & monthName))
   End Function
   

4. Use it in Excel: In cell A1, type August. In cell B1, type =MonthNumber(A1), and it will return 8.

Method 5: Using Power Query

Power Query in Excel offers another way to convert month names to numbers without writing complex formulas:

1. Load your data into Power Query: Select your data range, go to the Data tab, and click on From Table/Range.
2. Transform the month name: Use the Add Column tab, select Custom Column, and use a formula like:

   Date.Month(Date.FromText("1 " & [YourColumnName]))
   

3. Close and Load: This will add a new column with the corresponding month numbers.

Method 6: Using the FORMAT Function (Excel 2016 and later)

If you are using Excel 2016 or a later version, the FORMAT function can be a time-saver:

1. Type the month name in cell A1 (e.g., November).
2. Use this formula: In cell B1, type:

   =TEXT(A1,"mm")
   

3. Press Enter: This will convert November to 11.

Method 7: TEXTJOIN with Helper Column

If you want to keep things simple yet effective, you can create a helper column with the month numbers and use the TEXTJOIN function.

1. In A1, type: The month name you want (e.g., April).
2. In B1, create a helper column: List all months in column D (from January to December).
3. Use TEXTJOIN in C1:

   =TEXTJOIN("",TRUE,D1:D12)
   

4. Use SEARCH: In D2, type =SEARCH(A1,D$1:D$12), this will help identify the position of the month name.

Now, you can easily convert month names into numbers!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ensure that the month names are spelled correctly and match exactly as in the data.
• Make sure to check if the input month name is valid to avoid errors in conversion.
• Remember that Excel treats months differently based on regional settings, so double-check your settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• If your formula returns an error, verify that the month name is a recognized string in Excel.
• Ensure your date formats are consistent; using a combination of functions might require uniform formatting.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I convert abbreviated month names?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>You can use the same methods as above. For example, if you input "Jan" instead of "January", the DATEVALUE method still works.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I automate this process for a whole column?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! You can drag the fill handle to copy the formula down in a column for all month names.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if my month names are in another language?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ensure that the regional settings in Excel correspond to the language of the month names for accurate conversion.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to validate the month conversion?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can cross-check the results using a lookup table or by verifying against a calendar.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In conclusion, converting month names to numbers in Excel can be accomplished through several methods, each with its own advantages. Whether you prefer using formulas, a lookup table, or advanced techniques like VBA, mastering these methods can enhance your efficiency and data analysis skills in Excel. Practice these methods to see which one works best for you, and don’t hesitate to explore further tutorials to broaden your Excel knowledge!

<p class="pro-note">✨Pro Tip: Try mixing methods for a more robust approach, especially if you're handling large datasets!</p>