Convert numbers to date: "586" to read "May 1986"

[CEckels]

I have a huge spreadsheet where all the dates in the date column are listed
as myy. For example "586" should be May 1986, and "801" should be August
2001.

Is there any way to convert the whole column so i dont' have to manually
change them?

If it helps, the file was an Access file my client burned toa CD. I opened
it on another computer and this was how the column appeared, so I'mnot sure
if its a formatting error on his end, or if that is how he actually entered
the data.

Thanks

 

[Bernard Liengme]

Let's say the dates are in column C and the first one is in C2.
Insert a new column D (we will get rid of it soon!)
In D2 enter
=DATE(IF(MOD(C2,100)<10,MOD(C2,100)+2000,MOD(C2,100)+1900),INT(C2/100),1)
Now format it with Custom Format of <mmmm yyyy> or just <mmm yyyy> for
three-letter month names
Copy this down the column - quickest way is to double click D2's fill handle
which is the small solid square in lower right corner of a active cell.
Select all of the D column and copy; with it still selected use Edit | Paste
Special :Values.
Now the D data is a real dates not a formulas so you can delete column C,
making the D column the C column with the dates you want.
best wishes

 

[JoeU2004]

I'mnot sure if its a formatting error on his end, or if that is how he
actually entered the data.

Of course, you should determine that first. Select a cell, right-click and
click Format > Number. If you see a Custom format of the form "myy", select
the entire column of dates, right-click and click Format > Number, then
select Custom format and enter "mmm yyyy" without the quotes.

Otherwise....

Is there any way to convert the whole column so i dont' have to manually
change them?

One way.... In a parallel column, enter the following formula and copy down
as needed:

=datevalue(left(A1,len(A1)-2) & "/1/" & right(A1,2))

assuming the first bogus date (e.g. 586) is in A1. Then select the new
column of dates and press ctrl-C to copy. Then select the original column
of dates, right-click and click Paste Special > Value > OK. You can now
delete the new column of dates.

PS: One way to select a large range of cells is to enter the range in the
Name Box in the upper left corner above the worksheet.


----- original message -----

 

[JoeU2004]

PS....

Then select the new column of dates and press ctrl-C to copy. Then select
the original
column of dates, right-click and click Paste Special > Value > OK.

I neglected to add: and format the column of dates with the Custom "mmm
yyyy" format.


----- original message -----

 

[Teethless mama]

Try this:

=--REPLACE(A1,LEN(A1)-1,,"/1/")

Format cell as: mmmm yyyy

 

[CEckels]

Many thanks to all who replied. All of your suggestions worked.

You've saved me hours!!