how to extend date ranges in google sheets
IN SUMMARY
Extending date ranges in Google Sheets is a simple process that can be done automatically by using the drag-and-drop feature or by entering a formula. This allows you to quickly create a series of consecutive dates, making it easier to manage and analyze date-related data.
Extending Date Ranges Using Drag-and-Drop
For example, enter '11/1/2022' in cell A1. Google Sheets will recognize this as a date format.
This is the fill handle, which allows you to extend the cell's content to adjacent cells.
As you drag, Google Sheets will automatically populate the adjacent cells with consecutive dates based on the starting date.
Extending Date Ranges Using Formulas
The DATE function takes three arguments: year, month, and day. For example, =DATE(2022,11,1) will create the date November 1, 2022.
The ROW function returns the row number of the current cell. For example, =DATE(2022,11,ROW(A1:A10)) will create a range of dates from November 1, 2022, to November 10, 2022, in cells A1 to A10.
The SEQUENCE function generates a list of sequential numbers, which can be combined with the DATE function. For example, =DATE(2022,11,SEQUENCE(10,1,1,1)) will create a range of dates from November 1, 2022, to November 10, 2022, in a single cell.
Advanced Date Range Techniques
Use the EDATE function to add or subtract a specific number of months or years from a date. For example, =EDATE(DATE(2022,11,1),SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1)) will create a range of dates starting from November 1, 2022, and incrementing by one month for 10 months.
The WORKDAY function adjusts dates based on a specified number of working days. For example, =WORKDAY(DATE(2022,11,1),SEQUENCE(10,1,0,1)) will create a range of 10 working days starting from November 1, 2022, excluding weekends.
Apply conditional formatting or data validation rules based on date ranges to highlight or restrict data entry for specific dates or periods.