Function Problems

How to Combine Two Date Columns in Excel (e.g., JUNE 9 - 13)

Maira Mehtab Sep 28, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to combine a start date and an end date from two separate spreadsheet columns into a single, clean text string formatted as 'MONTH DAY - DAY'.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Creating a consolidated, easy-to-read date range display for schedules, event planning, or reports.
Observed behavior: Requires a formula that dynamically outputs a single month name if both dates share the same month, or both month names if the dates span across different months.

Before you start

Ensure the cells in your start and end date columns are recognized as actual date values, rather than plain text, so the TEXT and MONTH functions can accurately extract the data.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the UPPER, TEXT, and IF Functions for Smart Month Handling

This formula intelligently checks if both dates fall in the same month. It displays the month once if they match (e.g., JUNE 9 - 13) and twice if they differ.

By combining the TEXT function for formatting and the IF function for logical testing, you can dynamically adjust how the date range is displayed based on the start and end month.

Select the destination cell

Click on the cell where you want the combined date string to appear.

Enter the dynamic formula

Type the formula: =UPPER(TEXT(D2, "mmmm d") & " - " & TEXT(E2, IF(MONTH(D2)=MONTH(E2), "d", "mmmm d"))) assuming your start date is in D2 and your end date is in E2.

Apply to the entire column

Press Enter to execute the formula, then click and drag the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of the cell down to apply it to the rest of your rows.

Dynamic Arrays: If you are using a modern version of Excel with dynamic arrays, you can adjust the references from single cells (like D2 and E2) to ranges (like D2:D10 and E2:E10) to automatically spill the results.

Solution 2

Use a Simple TEXT Concatenation for Fixed Same-Month Ranges

If you know for a fact that all your date pairs fall within the exact same month, you can use a simpler concatenation formula without the IF condition.

Powerful Spreadsheet Alternative

Combine Date Columns Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Office fully supports standard functions like TEXT, IF, and UPPER. You can use the exact same formulas to combine dates and create professional schedules for free.

1. Open your file: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet containing the date columns.
2. Insert the formula: Select the target cell and paste the date combination formula: =UPPER(TEXT(D2, "mmmm d") & " - " & TEXT(E2, IF(MONTH(D2)=MONTH(E2), "d", "mmmm d"))).
3. Autofill the results: Press Enter, then click and drag the small square at the bottom-right of the cell to fill the formula down for all dates.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formats and functions.Supports advanced nested formulas for date and text manipulation.Free and lightweight alternative for everyday data processing and spreadsheet tasks.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my combined date showing as a 5-digit number instead of a month name?

This happens when you concatenate dates without using the TEXT function. Spreadsheet programs store dates as serial numbers (e.g., 45087). Always wrap your date cell reference in TEXT(cell, "mmmm d") to convert the serial number into a readable date format.

How do I make the month name proper case instead of all capital letters?

To capitalize only the first letter of the month (e.g., 'June 9 - 13' instead of 'JUNE 9 - 13'), simply remove the UPPER() function from your formula, or replace it with the PROPER() function.

Can I use an abbreviated month format for the dates?

Yes. You can modify the format string inside the TEXT function. For example, changing "mmmm d" to "mmm d" will abbreviate the month to a three-letter format like 'Jun 9'.

Excel & Data Problems