Function Problems

Why Does Excel TEXT Return Sept Instead of Sep? Solutions & Workarounds

Natalie Taylor Sep 29, 2026 873 views

Question details

The user wants to know why the TEXT function outputs 'Sept' instead of the standard three-letter 'Sep' abbreviation and how to fix it.

Why Does Excel TEXT Return Sept Instead of Sep?

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting dates in a spreadsheet using the TEXT function with the 'mmm' format code.
Observed behavior: Instead of returning a three-letter month abbreviation for September ('Sep'), the function returns a four-letter string ('Sept') due to locale or regional formatting definitions.

Before you start

Verify your computer's system locale and language settings, as Microsoft Office relies on Windows regional definitions to determine default date abbreviations.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the LEFT Function to Force Three Letters

Wrap your existing TEXT formula in a LEFT function to trim the output and ensure you always get a three-letter abbreviation.

Because the "mmm" format code is dependent on regional settings, a system update can change its output. Using text-manipulation functions completely bypasses these regional inconsistencies.

Select the target cell

Click on the cell where you want the abbreviated month to appear.

Enter the formula

Type `=LEFT(TEXT(A1,"mmm"),3)` (assuming your original date is in cell A1) and press Enter.

Combine with the year (optional)

If you need a standardized year and month format, use the formula `=YEAR(A1)&"-"&UPPER(LEFT(TEXT(A1,"mmm"),3))`.

Use the LEFT Function to Force Three Letters

Reliable Output: This formula explicitly extracts only the first three letters, guaranteeing that 'Sept' is always converted to 'Sep' regardless of system updates or shared workbooks.

Solution 2

Map Month Numbers to Fixed Text Values

Use the CHOOSE function to hardcode the exact month names you want to appear.

Solution 3

Modify Windows Regional Settings

Change the system-wide regional date format if you want to alter how Excel interprets month abbreviations by default.

Process Data Consistently with WPS Spreadsheet

WPS Spreadsheet provides powerful formatting tools and complete compatibility with standard spreadsheet formulas. You can seamlessly use standard text and date manipulation functions to ensure your reports look perfect.

1. Install and open WPS Office: Download WPS Office for free and launch WPS Spreadsheet.
2. Open your workbook: Open your existing .xlsx file containing the date values you need to format.
3. Apply text formulas: Use standard functions like `=LEFT(TEXT(A1,"mmm"),3)` to standardize your dates, then save your file with perfect formatting.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel functions including TEXT, LEFT, and CHOOSE.Free, lightweight, and fast alternative for data analysis and reporting.Familiar user interface requiring zero learning curve for seamless migration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my month abbreviation suddenly change from Sep to Sept?

This happens when your Microsoft 365 application updates or your Windows regional formatting definitions are patched in the background. The 'mmm' code relies on system dictionaries, which may have redefined the abbreviation for September.

Will fixing the TEXT function formula break if I share the file?

No. If you use the LEFT function workaround (`=LEFT(TEXT(A1,"mmm"),3)`), the output will be strictly limited to three characters on any computer, regardless of the recipient's system locale settings.

Can I fix this by using custom cell formatting instead of a formula?

Custom cell formatting (Format Cells > Custom > 'mmm') is also locale-dependent. If your system locale defines September's abbreviation as 'Sept', custom formatting will still display it as a four-letter word. Using a formula like LEFT or CHOOSE is the only guaranteed fix.

Excel & Data Problems