Converting data to a date format

[cubs610]

Hey Everyone,

Question... from time to time I get some data imported (external source) as a number, when in reality it's a representing a date. Phrased differently, the data imports without the proper format. For example, after the import is complete the cell value is 20151231. I'd like to change the imported value to be displayed as a date i.e. 2015/12/31. I'm thinking some sort of custom date format might be plausible, but not sure.

And if it helps in full disclosure off the top of my head I honestly forget if the data imports as text or numbers, but still-- curious to see what some potential solutions might be.

Thanks for your help.

-Dave

 

[Chihiro]

Something like below?
=DATE(LEFT(A2,4),MID(A2,5,2),RIGHT(A2,2))

Edit: In general, you'd need a helper column.

 

[bosco_yip]

Maybe,

=--TEXT(A1,"0000\/00\/00")

Regards