5 Simple Ways To Convert Month To Number In Excel

When working with data in Excel, you might often need to convert month names into numbers, particularly for sorting, filtering, or performing calculations. Whether you're analyzing sales data, tracking expenses, or simply organizing your information, understanding how to convert month names to numbers can significantly streamline your process. In this guide, we will walk through five simple methods to convert month names to numbers in Excel, complete with helpful tips, common pitfalls, and troubleshooting advice.

1. Using the MONTH and DATEVALUE Functions

One straightforward way to convert month names to numbers is by using the MONTH and DATEVALUE functions together. Here's how you can do it:

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Input the Month Name: Let's say you have a month name like "January" in cell A1.
2. Use the Formula: In another cell (B1), enter the following formula:

   =MONTH(DATEVALUE(A1 & " 1"))
   

3. Press Enter: After you hit Enter, the cell will return the number 1, which represents January.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">This method works for all month names as long as they are spelled correctly. You can use this for abbreviations (e.g., "Jan") too!</p>

2. Using VLOOKUP with a Helper Table

If you prefer a more visual approach or want to keep your data in a table format, using a helper table with VLOOKUP can be very effective.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a Helper Table: Set up a small table somewhere in your spreadsheet like this:

   Month Name	Month Number
   January	1
   February	2
   March	3
   April	4
   May	5
   June	6
   July	7
   August	8
   September	9
   October	10
   November	11
   December	12

2. Use the VLOOKUP Formula: Assuming your month name is in cell A1, use the following formula in cell B1:

   =VLOOKUP(A1, E1:F12, 2, FALSE)
   

   Adjust the range to match where your helper table is located.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">Make sure your helper table is set up correctly, or the VLOOKUP will return an error!</p>

3. TEXT Function for Formatted Dates

Another option to convert month names to numbers is using the TEXT function. This can come in handy if you are dealing with a date format that includes month names.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Enter a Date with Month: Type a date that contains a month in a cell (e.g., 01-Jan-2023 in A1).
2. Use the TEXT Function: In cell B1, enter:

   =TEXT(A1, "mm")
   

3. Press Enter: The cell will display 01 for January.

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">This method is particularly useful if you are already working with date values instead of standalone month names.</p>

4. Using Data Validation and the MONTH Function

If you're entering month names frequently, you can enhance your efficiency by combining data validation with the MONTH function.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Create a List of Month Names: In a separate area or worksheet, create a list of month names.
2. Set Data Validation: Select the cell where you want to enter the month name (A1), go to Data > Data Validation, and choose "List." Specify the source of your month names.
3. Apply the MONTH Function: In another cell (B1), use:

   =MONTH(DATEVALUE(A1 & " 1"))
   

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">Data validation ensures you're only entering valid month names, reducing errors!</p>

5. Creating a Custom VBA Function

If you're comfortable with coding, creating a custom VBA function can be a powerful way to convert month names to numbers efficiently.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the VBA Editor: Press ALT + F11 to open the Visual Basic for Applications editor.
2. Insert a New Module: Right-click on any of the items in the Project Explorer, select Insert, then Module.
3. Enter the Function Code: Copy and paste the following code into the module:

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

4. Close the Editor: Save and close the VBA editor.
5. Use the Function: Now, in your Excel sheet, you can use your custom function like this:

   =MonthNumber(A1)
   

Important Notes

<p class="pro-note">Remember to save your workbook as a Macro-Enabled Workbook to keep your custom functions.</p>

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Spelling: Ensure the month names are spelled correctly; otherwise, functions may return errors or unexpected results.
2. Range Errors: When using functions like VLOOKUP, make sure your defined ranges are correct to avoid #N/A errors.
3. Date Format Issues: Be aware of how Excel interprets dates. Sometimes, depending on your settings, it may not recognize certain formats.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Errors in Formulas: If you get errors, double-check the formulas for typos and ensure the required arguments are correctly placed.
• Unexpected Results: If the output isn't what you expect, try entering the month names in a different format (e.g., full name vs. abbreviation).
• Conditional Formatting: When using conditional formats, ensure that you update ranges correctly if you add new rows or data.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <h2>Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use abbreviations for month names?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes! Most methods work with common abbreviations like "Jan," "Feb," etc.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What if I get a #VALUE! error?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>This usually indicates that the input is not recognized. Ensure the month name is spelled correctly.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is there a way to automate this process?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Using a custom VBA function or data validation can help streamline the process significantly!</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I convert month numbers back to names?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! You can use the TEXT function, like so: =TEXT(DATE(2023, A1, 1), "mmmm").</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

In summary, converting month names to numbers in Excel is straightforward with the right techniques. Whether you choose to use formulas, helper tables, or even VBA, each method offers unique benefits depending on your needs. So, the next time you work with dates and months, you'll be ready to tackle your data efficiently. Practice these methods and explore more tutorials to expand your Excel skill set!

<p class="pro-note">💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check the formatting of your month names to avoid issues when converting!</p>