show the latest date from 3 selected columns

Debbie Sin

I would like to show the latest date among 3 selected columns in a new cell, Is there any formula to make it happen?

Shaine Greenwood

Hi Debbie,

I’m not exactly sure what you’re looking for, but I’d recommend looking at the MAX() function, which will show the latest date from a range of cells/columns: https://help.smartsheet.com/function/max

Debbie Sin

Thanks

let say, I have three columns showing different dates that we received the approval from client due to revised orders as below

1st approval received on 09/28/2017.

2nd approval received on 11/13/2017

3rd approval received on 12//15/2017

I will create another column to show the final approval date which should be the latest one, 12/15/2017.  Or sometimes, we only received one approval date, which the other two will be blank.  If I use the Max(), will they able to pick the latest date even the other two approval date is blank.

Debbie 

 

Robert S.

Hello Debbie,

 

Yes the MAX() function can be used to make this happen. Here's a sample of how this formula could be written:

 

=MAX([1st Approval]@row:[3rd Approval]@row)

 

This formula however is assuming that the columns are contiguous. If there are other columns between the different approval columns, the formula can be changed to this:

 

=MAX([1st Approval]@row, [2nd Approval]@row, [3rd Approval]@row)

 

This is also assuming that the dates to be referenced are in the same row as where you're placing this formula. If this isn't the case, the sections that say @row can be changed to the row number for where these dates are located.

Debbie Sin

It works, thanks