What it does
EDATE returns a date the specified number of months before or after a start date.
Syntax or pattern
=EDATE(start_date, months)5 practical examples
Add one month
Return the same day next month.
=EDATE(A2,1)Useful for subscriptions.
Add twelve months
Calculate renewal date.
=EDATE(A2,12)Common for contracts.
Go back six months
Find a date six months earlier.
=EDATE(A2,-6)Negative offsets go backward.
Create next review date
Add three months to a review date.
=EDATE(A2,3)Useful in HR and operations.
Monthly schedule
Generate next period date.
=EDATE(StartDate,ROW(A1)-1)Can help build schedules.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Check whether dates are real Excel dates, not text.
- Be careful with weekends, holidays and time portions.
- Explain whether a result counts calendar days or workdays.
Related Excel examples
FAQ
Why does the date formula return a number?
Excel stores dates as serial numbers. Format the cell as a date to display it correctly.
Here are some ideas for you
Optional resources that may help if you are learning formulas, building reports, or working in spreadsheets often.
- Excel formula booksSee ideas
Practice formulas with structured examples you can keep beside your desk.
- Excel shortcut guidesSee ideas
Build speed with keyboard shortcuts for selection, formatting and navigation.
- Numeric keypadsSee ideas
Helpful if you enter many numbers on a laptop or compact keyboard.
- External monitorsSee ideas
Useful for viewing large worksheets, formulas and reference tables side by side.
- Desk notebooksSee ideas
Sketch formula logic, report ideas and table structures before building.
- Laptop standsSee ideas
Make long spreadsheet sessions more comfortable and ergonomic.
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