Convert Timestamp to Date in Google Sheets: Easy Guide

How to Convert Timestamp to Date in Google Sheets

Converting timestamps to dates in Google Sheets can be achieved through various methods, including formulas and custom scripts. This guide will explore the most common techniques to help you efficiently transform timestamps into readable date formats.

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Google Sheets Convert Timestamp to Date

To convert a timestamp to a date in Google Sheets, you can use the DATEVALUE function. This function interprets a timestamp string and returns the corresponding date value. Additionally, the DATE function can be utilized to format the timestamp into a specific date format. You need to provide the timestamp as the first parameter and the desired date format as the second parameter.

Here are two formulas to quickly convert a timestamp in cell A1 to a date:

'=TO_DATE(DATEVALUE(A1))'

'=TO_DATE(INT(A1))'

Both formulas will convert the timestamp in cell A1 to a date, removing any time component.

Google Sheets Convert Unix Timestamp to Date

For Unix timestamps, Google Sheets introduced the EPOCHTODATE function, which converts Unix timestamps (in seconds or milliseconds) directly to date values. The function takes two parameters: the timestamp and a unit indicator (1 for seconds and 2 for milliseconds).

To convert a single Unix timestamp in cell A2 to a date, use:

'=EPOCHTODATE(A2,1)'

For a list of Unix timestamps, apply an array formula:

'=arrayformula(if(A2:A<>"",EPOCHTODATE(A2:A,1),""))'

Remember to adjust the unit argument based on whether your timestamp is in seconds or milliseconds.

Google Sheets Formula Convert Timestamp to Date

For timestamps in a different format, such as ISO 8601 (e.g., 2020-12-14T18:24:27.000Z), you can extract the date part using the MID function and then convert it to a date with DATEVALUE.

'=DATEVALUE(MID(A1,1,10))'

After applying the formula, use the Format > Number > Date command to display the result as a date.

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Additional Tips

When working with timestamps in Google Sheets, it's essential to consider the format of your data and the desired output. The FORMAT menu allows you to customize how dates are displayed, offering various options for date and time formats. For Unix timestamps, always specify the correct unit to ensure accurate conversion. Custom scripts can also be created for more complex conversions or specific formatting needs.

Converting timestamps to dates in Google Sheets can streamline data analysis and reporting. While manual methods exist, automating this process with Bardeen can save you significant time and reduce errors. Automation is especially beneficial when dealing with large datasets or when needing to perform this conversion frequently. Consider automating to enhance efficiency and accuracy in your data management tasks.

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