The EDATE function with examples in Excel

The EDATE function in Excel allows you to shift a date by a specified number of months, either into the future or the past. Here’s how it works:

1. Syntax:

   • EDATE(start_date, months)
   • start_date: The initial date (a valid Excel date).
   • months: The number of months to add or subtract.

2. Examples:

   • To find the date 6 months in the future from January 1, 2023, use:

     $$=EDATE("2023-01-01",6)$$

     (result: July 1, 2023).
   • For a date 4 months ago from today, use:

     $$=EDATE(TODAY(),-4)$$

     (result: 4 months before the current date).

3. Additional Scenarios:

   • To move by years, multiply the number of years by 12 (e.g., forward 2 years:

     $$=EDATE(A1,24)$$

     ).
   • EDATE maintains end-of-month dates (e.g.,

     $$=EDATE("31-Jan-2019",1)$$

     returns February 28, 2019).
   • Leap years are respected (e.g.,

     $$=EDATE("31-Jan-2020",1)$$

     returns February 29, 2020).

Remember, EDATE is versatile for various date-related calculations!