Excel is a powerful tool for managing and analyzing data, especially when dealing with time-based information. Converting month names to numbers is a common requirement in various fields, such as financial reporting, data analysis, and project management. By transforming month names into numerical values, you can improve sorting, filtering, and performing calculations on date-based data. This guide explores multiple methods to efficiently convert month names to numbers in Excel.
Why Convert Month Names to Numbers?
When working with Excel, you may encounter datasets that list months as names (e.g., January, February) rather than numerical values (1, 2, etc.). Converting these names to numbers allows you to:
Sort Data Properly: Excel sorts text alphabetically (April before February), but converting months to numbers ensures chronological sorting.
Perform Calculations: Numerical values enable easy computations such as differences between months.
Enhance Data Consistency: Standardizing date formats improves the organization and usability of data.
Enable Advanced Functions: Some Excel formulas work better with numerical values than with text.
Now, let’s explore different ways to achieve this conversion.
Method 1: Using the MONTH Function
If your month names are part of a date, the MONTH function is the easiest way to extract the month number.
Steps:
Ensure your data contains full date values (e.g., 01-Jan-2025 instead of just "January").
Use the formula:
=MONTH(A2)
Press Enter and drag the fill handle to apply the formula to other cells.
This function returns the month number corresponding to the date in cell A2.
Method 2: Using the TEXT Function
If your data contains date values formatted as text, you can extract the month number using the TEXT function.
Steps:
Use the formula:
=TEXT(A2, "MM")
This will return the month number (e.g., 01 for January, 02 for February).
Convert the output to a numeric value if necessary by using:
=VALUE(TEXT(A2, "MM"))
Method 3: Using a Custom Mapping Formula
If your dataset contains standalone month names (e.g., "January" without any date information), you can use MATCH and CHOOSE functions to assign numbers.
Using MATCH Function
=MATCH(A2,{"January","February","March","April","May","June","July","August","September","October","November","December"},0)
This formula searches for the month name in an array and returns its corresponding index (1 for January, 2 for February, etc.).
Using CHOOSE Function
=CHOOSE(MATCH(A2,{"January","February","March","April","May","June","July","August","September","October","November","December"},0),1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12)
This function provides the same result in a more flexible way.
Method 4: Using a VLOOKUP Table
Another efficient way is to create a reference table and use VLOOKUP to match month names with numbers.
Steps:
Create a helper table with two columns:
A (Month)
B (Number)
January
1
February
2
March
3
...
...
December
12
Use VLOOKUP to fetch the corresponding number:
=VLOOKUP(A2,$A$1:$B$12,2,FALSE)
Drag down the formula to apply it to multiple rows.
Method 5: Using Power Query for Bulk Conversion
For large datasets, Power Query is an excellent tool to convert month names to numbers.
Steps:
Select your dataset and open Power Query (Data -> Get & Transform -> From Table/Range).
Choose the column with month names.
Use Replace Values to convert each month name into its respective number.
Load the transformed data back into Excel.
Method 6: Using VBA for Automation
If you frequently need to convert month names to numbers, a VBA macro can automate the process.
excel convert month name to number
Steps:
Open Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) (ALT + F11).
Insert a new module and paste the following code:
Function MonthNumber(MonthName As String) As Integer
Dim x As Object
Set x = CreateObject("Scripting.Dictionary")
Dim i As Integer
Dim months As Variant
months = Array("January", "February", "March", "April", "May", "June", "July", "August", "September", "October", "November", "December")
For i = 0 To 11
x.Add months(i), i + 1
Next i
MonthNumber = x(MonthName)
End Function
Use the custom function in Excel:
=MonthNumber(A2)
This VBA function looks up the month name and returns the corresponding number.
Conclusion
Converting month names to numbers in Excel is a valuable skill that enhances data organization, sorting, and calculations. Whether you use built-in formulas like MONTH and TEXT, lookup methods such as VLOOKUP and MATCH, or advanced tools like Power Query and VBA, each approach offers unique advantages.
By mastering these methods, you can streamline your workflow, improve data accuracy, and make your Excel spreadsheets more efficient and insightful. Try out these techniques based on your specific needs and take your Excel skills to the next level!