How to Fix EOMONTH Showing a Number Instead of a Date in Excel
Question details
The user needs to convert the numerical output of the EOMONTH function into a readable date format.
- Product
- Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Using the EOMONTH function to calculate the last day of a month.
- Observed behavior
- The function returns a date serial number instead of a standard date format because the result cell is formatted as a number or general text.
Ensure that your EOMONTH formula is entered correctly and references a cell containing a valid starting date.
Change Cell Format to Date
Apply date formatting to the result cell to convert the serial number into a readable date.
Spreadsheet applications store dates as sequential serial numbers so they can be used in mathematical calculations. The EOMONTH function outputs this raw serial value by default if the destination cell is formatted as 'General' or 'Number'.
Click on the cell containing your EOMONTH formula (for example, =EOMONTH(J4,1)).
Press the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+1. Alternatively, right-click the selected cell and choose 'Format Cells' from the context menu.
In the Format Cells window, navigate to the Number tab and select 'Date' from the Category list on the left side.
Pick your preferred date layout from the Type list on the right side and click 'OK' to apply the formatting.
Format Dates and Formulas Easily in WPS Spreadsheet
WPS Spreadsheet offers an intuitive interface to handle date functions like EOMONTH, easily formatting serial numbers into readable dates with just a few clicks.
- 1. Enter the formula: Type =EOMONTH(start_date, months) into your desired cell in WPS Spreadsheet.
- 2. Select the result: Click on the cell that displays the calculated serial number.
- 3. Apply Date format: Go to the Home tab, click the Number Format dropdown box, and select 'Short Date' or 'Long Date'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Excel show numbers instead of dates for other formulas?
Excel stores all dates as serial numbers starting from January 1, 1900. Functions like TODAY, DATE, or EOMONTH calculate these underlying serial numbers. If the destination cell is formatted as 'General' or 'Number', it displays the raw serial number rather than the formatted date.
How do I fix the EOMONTH result if it shows a #NUM! error?
A #NUM! error in EOMONTH usually occurs if the start date is invalid or not recognized as a date. Ensure your starting date is a valid Excel date and not formatted as regular text.
Can I format the EOMONTH result directly within the formula?
Yes, you can use the TEXT function to format it directly without changing the cell formatting. For example, using =TEXT(EOMONTH(A1, 1), "mm/dd/yyyy") will output the result as a formatted text string.
