Syntax
=EDATE(start_date, months)
| Argument | What it means |
|---|---|
start_date | The starting date. |
months | How many months to move. A negative number goes back. |
Examples with results
Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.
Customer invoices (fictional)
| Row | A | B | C | D | E |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Invoice | Customer | Amount | Invoice date | Terms (days) |
| 2 | INV-1001 | Harbour Cafe | 1250 | 2025-06-02 | 30 |
| 3 | INV-1002 | Palm Stationery | 480 | 2025-06-20 | 14 |
| 4 | INV-1003 | Dune Garage | 3100 | 2025-05-12 | 45 |
| 5 | INV-1004 | Harbour Cafe | 760 | 2025-07-01 | 30 |
| 6 | INV-1005 | Oasis Clinic | 2200 | 2025-04-18 | 60 |
=EDATE(D2,1)One month after the invoice date
Examples that need no data
=EDATE(DATE(2025,1,31),1)Jan 31 plus one month gives the last day of February
Try it yourself
Change the formula or switch to other sample data.
Press Calculate to see the result.
The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.
How people use EDATE at work
- HR
End of a 6 month probation period.
Data: Team list (fictional)=EDATE(D8,6) - Finance and accounting
Next payment date for a monthly plan.
Data: Customer invoices (fictional)=EDATE(D3,3)
Common mistakes and tips
- The result is a serial number. Format the cell as a date to read it.
Works in
All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.
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