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How to Compare a Choice Column with a Date Month in Microsoft Lists

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to create a calculated column in Microsoft Lists that compares a numeric value from a Choice column with the month extracted from a Date column.

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up custom data validation or conditional data views by checking if a selected numeric choice matches the month of a specified date entry.
Observed behavior: Requires a calculated formula that ensures both columns are not blank, converts the Choice text to a number, and checks if it matches the Date's extracted month.

Before you start

Verify the exact internal names of your 'Choice' and 'Date' columns, as the calculated formula requires precise column references to function properly without syntax errors.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Calculated Column Formula to Compare Values

Implement an IF statement combined with VALUE and MONTH functions to evaluate the data and return the matched month or a 'False' string.

In Microsoft Lists, values from a Choice column are treated as text by default. To compare them mathematically with a date's month, you must wrap the Choice column in a VALUE() function.

Add a Calculated Column

Navigate to your Microsoft List, click on 'Add column', and select 'More...'. Choose 'Calculated (calculation based on other columns)' as the column type.

Input the Comparison Formula

In the formula box, enter the following exact formula: =IF(AND(NOT(ISBLANK([Choice])),NOT(ISBLANK([Date])),VALUE([Choice])=MONTH([Date])),MONTH([Date]),"False"). Be sure to replace [Choice] and [Date] with the actual names of your columns.

Set the Return Data Type

Under 'The data type returned from this formula is', select 'Single line of text'. Click 'OK' to save your new calculated column.

Formula Breakdown: The formula first checks that neither column is blank to prevent errors. It then converts the Choice value to a number and compares it to the month of the Date column. If they match, it returns the month number; if not, it outputs the word 'False'.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I get a syntax error when saving my calculated column formula?

Syntax errors commonly occur if the column names are misspelled, if you forgot the square brackets around the column names (e.g., [Date]), or if you used the wrong list separator. Depending on your regional settings, you might need to use a semicolon (;) instead of a comma (,) to separate formula arguments.

Why must I use the VALUE function on a Choice column?

By default, Microsoft Lists Choice columns store values as text strings, even if they consist only of numbers. The VALUE() function converts this text into a numeric format so it can be accurately compared to the numeric output of the MONTH() function.

Can I make this formula return a Yes/No boolean instead of text?

Yes. If you prefer a true boolean output, change the column's return type to 'Yes/No' and update the formula to simply: =AND(NOT(ISBLANK([Choice])), NOT(ISBLANK([Date])), VALUE([Choice])=MONTH([Date])).

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