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EDATE.

Returns the date a specified number of months before or after a start date.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Date & Time
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

EDATE returns the date serial number that is a designated number of months before (negative) or after (positive) a start date. Perfect for warranty expiration and contract renewal dates.

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=EDATE(start_date, months)
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the EDATE function is detailed below.

start_dateRequired

The starting date.

Example value: A2
monthsRequired

Number of months before (negative) or after (positive).

Example value: 12

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Contract Expiration - 12 Month Renewal

Determine renewal date 12 months after subscription start.

Start DateMonths AddedRenewal Date
2025-05-1512—
2025-06-016—
Applied Formula
=EDATE(A2, B2)
Expected Result:2026-05-15

Evaluates EDATE over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell C2.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored EDATE formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=EDATE()

Expected result behavior.

Returns "2026-05-15" based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:2026-05-15
Output Type:Text String

Best Practices

  • Calculate an exact 1-year warranty renewal: =EDATE(A2, 12).

Common Mistakes

  • If start_date is on the 31st and the target month has only 30 days, EDATE automatically adjusts to the 30th.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use EDATE across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =EDATE(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in EDATE?↓

If start_date is on the 31st and the target month has only 30 days, EDATE automatically adjusts to the 30th.

Does EDATE work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, EDATE is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.