Microsoft Knowledge Base

XL: Docerr: Arguments in Date Functions Can Be Text
Last reviewed: March 27, 1997
Article ID: Q113632
5.00 7.00 | 5.00 
WINDOWS   | MACINTOSH
kbother kbdocerr

The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Excel for Windows, version 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, version 5.0
  • Microsoft Excel for Windows 95, version 7.0

SUMMARY

In Microsoft Excel Help, the remarks section for each of the functions below indicates that both of the arguments for the functions must be numeric: 

   EDATE()
   EOMONTH()
   NETWORKDAYS()
   WORKDAY()
This information is incorrect, either argument can be text.

MORE INFORMATION

In addition, page 86 of the Microsoft Press book "Microsoft Excel 5 Worksheet Function Reference" states the following in the Remarks section for the EDATE() function: 

   If either argument is non-numeric, EDATE() returns the #VALUE! error
   value.
This information is incorrect. Either argument can be entered as text. The example on this page indicates that the DATEVALUE() function must be used within the function to convert the date represented by text to a serial number. However, this information is incorrect, the date can be entered as text and the function will work properly.

NOTE: Earlier versions of Microsoft Excel DID require that both arguments in these functions be numeric.

REFERENCES

Microsoft Excel 5.0 Help "Microsoft Excel 5 Worksheet Function Reference," from Microsoft Press

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Additional reference words: 5.00 7.00
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Version : 5.00 7.00 | 5.00
Platform : MACINTOSH WINDOWS

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Last reviewed: March 27, 1997
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