How to Convert a Date to Text in Google Sheets
Use =TEXT(A2,"yyyy-mm-dd") to turn a date into text like 2024-03-15. Swap the pattern for other formats, e.g. "mmmm d, yyyy" gives March 15, 2024.
=TEXT(A2,"yyyy-mm-dd")
The pattern controls the output: yyyy = 4-digit year, mm = 2-digit month, dd = 2-digit day. The result is plain text.
How it works
TEXT formats a date value into a text string using a pattern you choose. Use yyyy, mm, dd for numbers, mmm/mmmm for short/long month names, and ddd/dddd for weekday names. This is essential when you want to join a date into a sentence with & or build a yyyy-mm helper column for grouping. The output is text, so it no longer sorts or filters as a date.
Variations
Long month name
=TEXT(A2,"mmmm d, yyyy")
Produces March 15, 2024.
Year-month for grouping
=TEXT(A2,"yyyy-mm")
Handy helper column for SUMIF-by-month.
Join a date into a sentence
="Due "&TEXT(A2,"ddd, mmm d")
Gives Due Fri, Mar 15.
Examples
| Scenario | Formula |
|---|---|
| ISO date text | =TEXT(A2,"yyyy-mm-dd") |
| Weekday name | =TEXT(A2,"dddd") |
FAQ
How do I convert a date to text?
Use =TEXT(A2,"yyyy-mm-dd") and change the pattern to whatever format you want.
How do I get the month name?
Use mmmm for the full name (March) or mmm for the short name (Mar): =TEXT(A2,"mmmm").
Will the result still sort as a date?
No. Once it's text it sorts alphabetically, not chronologically. Keep the original date column for sorting.