The EDATE function is a date and time function which returns the date exactly the specified number of months away from the initial date given. This date could be either in the past or future.

This is the format of the EDATE function:

=EDATE(START DATE, NUMBER OF MONTHS)

Here is an example of the EDATE function:

=EDATE(45054, 2) = 45115 = 08/07/2023

This function is valuable when you need to set deadlines or expiration dates based on various criteria which can be used as arguments in the formula. This could include projected end dates for projects, contract expiration dates, or renewal dates.

An example of a functional implementation of this would be tracking customer purchases in an effort to keep up retention rates. Knowing the last time a customer purchased from you and setting a 2 month callback window allowing you to signal when you need to call the client for a follow-up.

=EDATE(LAST PURCHASE DATE, 2)