Excel Error Codes

Fix WPS Spreadsheets #VALUE Errors Caused by Regional Date Functions

Nimra Malik Nov 13, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve #VALUE errors in a spreadsheet when DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE formulas are opened with regional settings that differ from the source data.

Product: WPS Spreadsheets
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: A workbook containing date and time text functions is opened in WPS Spreadsheets or Excel Online with regional date/time settings that do not match the source data.
Observed behavior: Cells display #VALUE errors. Deleting a cell, row, or column can trigger recalculation and temporarily remove the error, but the underlying regional date/time function mismatch remains.

Before you start

Open the affected workbook in WPS Spreadsheets and select a cell that shows #VALUE. Check the formula bar for DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE, and note the date/time format used by the source data.

Solution 1Recommended

Replace DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE Functions with Consistent Date or Time Values

Use this solution when a workbook opened with different regional settings returns #VALUE errors from localized date and time text functions.

DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE convert text into dates and times according to the current regional settings. If the workbook source text uses a different date order or separator, WPS Spreadsheets and Excel Online may fail to parse it and return #VALUE.

Select the cells showing #VALUE

Click the cell that displays #VALUE, then look at the formula bar in WPS Spreadsheets to confirm that it uses DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE.

Edit the formula

Press F2 or double-click the cell, remove the DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE wrapper, and enter the date or time directly in a consistent format such as 2025-01-31 or 14:30.

Apply a supported date/time format

Select the source cells, go to Home > Number Format, and choose Short Date or Time so all date and time values use the same format.

Recalculate the sheet

Press F9 or go to Formulas > Calculate Now to refresh all formulas and verify that #VALUE no longer appears.

Replace DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE Functions with Consistent Date or Time Values

Regional #VALUE error fixed: Replacing text-parsing date functions with consistently formatted date/time values prevents the error from returning when the workbook is opened under different regional settings.

Solution 2

Use Evaluate Formula to Locate the Failing Regional Date Reference

Use this solution if you need to identify which part of a longer formula is causing the #VALUE error before editing it.

Fix Regional Date #VALUE Errors in WPS Spreadsheets

Open the affected Excel workbook in WPS Spreadsheets, locate the DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE formulas, and replace them with consistent date/time values. WPS Spreadsheets supports Excel formula compatibility, so you can correct the regional mismatch directly without switching applications.

1. Open the workbook in WPS Spreadsheets: Launch WPS Office, click Menu > Open, and select the Excel workbook that shows #VALUE errors.
2. Select the #VALUE error cell: Click the affected cell and inspect the formula bar to identify DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE.
3. Replace the regional date/time function: Press F2, remove the DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE wrapper, and enter a consistent date/time value or reference.
4. Apply a consistent date format: Go to Home > Number Format and choose Short Date or Time for all cells used by the formula.
5. Recalculate and save: Press F9 or use Formulas > Calculate Now, then save the workbook as .xlsx to keep the fix.

Finds and fixes regional DATEVALUE/TIMEVALUE #VALUE errors in your workbookFull compatibility with Microsoft Excel .xlsx, .xls, and .csv filesFamiliar formula bar and Evaluate Formula tools for quick troubleshootingFree, lightweight Office suite that opens and repairs Excel Online files on desktop

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE return #VALUE when I open my file in WPS Spreadsheets?

These functions parse text according to the current regional date and time settings. If the source data uses a different date order or separator, the text cannot be converted and WPS Spreadsheets returns #VALUE.

Is deleting a row or column a permanent fix for the #VALUE error?

No. Deleting a cell, row, or column triggers recalculation and may temporarily hide the error, but the underlying DATEVALUE or TIMEVALUE mismatch remains until you correct the formula or source data.

Can I keep DATEVALUE if I change the regional settings on my computer?

Changing regional settings may help for one workbook, but shared files can still fail on another device. A more reliable fix is to replace the text-parsing function with a consistently formatted date/time value.

Does WPS Spreadsheets support Excel DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE functions?

Yes. WPS Spreadsheets supports these Excel functions. The #VALUE error is caused by a regional format mismatch, not by missing function support.

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