Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here: The EDATE Function.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated August 19, 2023)
This tip applies to Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
If you have a need to determine a date that is a known number of months in the future or the past, then the EDATE function can be quick and easy. For instance, if you are working with expiration dates for six-month contracts, you can use the following formula:
=EDATE(NOW(),6)
The function takes the first date provided (in this case, using the NOW function) and uses the second parameter to determine the number of months future or past that should be calculated. The date parameter you use should resolve to a date serial number and not be a textual date.
If you use a negative value for the second parameter, then EDATE calculates a date in the past. For instance, if you wanted a date that was three months in the past, then you could use the following:
=EDATE(NOW(),-3)
EDATE returns a date serial number; you may need to format the cell so it uses a date format that formats the returned value as you want it to appear.
You should note that if the EDATE function does not work on your system, it means you have not installed or enabled the Analysis ToolPak. Install the ToolPak and then you should be able to use the function.
ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (3186) applies to Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Excel (Excel 2007 and later) here: The EDATE Function.
Professional Development Guidance! Four world-class developers offer start-to-finish guidance for building powerful, robust, and secure applications with Excel. The authors show how to consistently make the right design decisions and make the most of Excel's powerful features. Check out Professional Excel Development today!
Excel makes working with a list of dates relatively easy. If you have a list of dates, you may need to know how many of ...
Discover MoreFor many Excel users—particularly beginners—working with elapsed time can be bewildering. This tip explains ...
Discover MoreThere are calendar days and then there are business days. Excel provides the NETWORKDAYS function that is helpful to ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Excel that uses the menu interface (Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, or Excel 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Excel, visit our ExcelTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in ExcelTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Excel versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Excel 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Excel, click here:
Comments