How to Change Date Format In Excel & Fix Common Date Issues

Many users struggle with default date formats that don’t meet their needs. Let's learn how to easily change or customize date formats in Excel.

Shreeya Thakur

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How to Change Date Format In Excel & Fix Common Date Issues

0 min read

Table of content:

How to Change Date Format in Excel?
Why Correct Date Formats Matter?
Common Date Format Challenges
How to Change Date Format In Excel: Troubleshooting Common Issues
Frequently Asked Questions

Changing the date format is essential for clear data presentation and proper date interpretation across regions or departments. Many users struggle with default formats that don’t meet their needs. This article will take you through the simple steps on how to change date format in Excel effortlessly. Let’s begin.

How to Change Date Format in Excel?

Step 1: Access the Format Cells Menu

Select the cell(s) containing the dates you want to reformat.
Right-click and choose Format Cells, or go to the Home tab and click Number Format.
In the Format Cells dialog, select the Date category.

Step 2: Choose a Predefined Date Format

Excel offers several predefined date formats, such as "MM/DD/YYYY" and "DD/MM/YYYY."
Choose the format that best suits your region or audience, and click OK.

Step 3: Create a Custom Date Format

If none of the predefined formats meets your needs, create a custom format. In the Format Cells dialog, select Custom and enter symbols like “d” for day, “m” for month, and “yyyy” for year.

Custom formats let you display dates with day names, month names, or shortened versions, making your spreadsheet more informative and visually appealing.

Step 4: Save Your Formats for Reuse

Once created, custom formats appear in the Custom list, allowing easy reuse. Just select the saved format from the menu whenever needed, saving time in the future.

How to Change Date Format in Excel?

Why Correct Date Formats Matter?

Using the right date format ensures clarity and avoids misinterpretation. Different regions display dates differently: for example, the U.S. typically uses "MM/DD/YYYY," while other regions may prefer "DD/MM/YYYY." Ensuring consistency helps prevent calculation errors, especially when sharing data with international colleagues or merging information from various sources.

Common Date Format Challenges

Working with dates in Excel can present challenges, such as:

Incorrect Display: Imported data may show dates in undesired formats or as plain numbers.
Text Dates: Dates from other sources may import as text, which Excel won’t recognize for calculations.
Regional Variances: Different locales have unique date formats, which can lead to confusion when files are shared internationally.

These challenges can disrupt your work, but Excel offers flexible formatting options to help you tackle them.

How to Change Date Format In Excel: Troubleshooting Common Issues

Fixing Incorrect Date Displays

If dates appear as numbers, it’s likely due to Excel’s misinterpretation. To correct this:

Select the cells, right-click, and choose Format Cells.
Set the format to Date and select the desired format. Excel should now display the date correctly.

Converting Text Dates to Date Values

If dates imported as text, use the DATEVALUE function to convert them:

=DATEVALUE(A1)

Replace (A1) with your target cell, and Excel will transform the text into a usable date value.

Resolving Locale Conflicts

To prevent mismatches in international files, set your locale in File > Options > Language. Ensure dates display consistently for all users, regardless of location.

Learning to customize date formats in Excel not only saves time but also ensures your data appears professional and organized. Follow the above steps to format dates, troubleshoot issues, and keep your spreadsheet current. Give these steps a try, and transform your Excel experience today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How do I change the date format in Excel?

To change the date format, select the cells with dates, right-click, choose "Format Cells," and then select your desired date format from the options available.

Q2. What are common date formats in Excel?

Common formats include "MM/DD/YYYY," "DD/MM/YYYY," and "YYYY-MM-DD." You can also customize formats to suit your needs.

Q3. Can I create a custom date format in Excel?

Yes, you can create a custom date format. In the "Format Cells" dialog, select "Custom" and enter your preferred format code.

Q4. Why is my date displaying as a number in Excel?

Excel stores dates as serial numbers. If you see a number, it means the cell is not formatted as a date. Change the format to resolve this.

Q5. How do I apply a date format to an entire column?

Select the entire column by clicking on its header, right-click, choose "Format Cells," and then select your desired date format.

Q6. What should I do if my date formats don’t match regional settings?

Check your system's regional settings and adjust them in Excel under "File" > "Options" > "Advanced." Ensure they align with your desired date format.

Q7. How can I troubleshoot date formatting issues in Excel?

If dates aren't displaying correctly, ensure cells are formatted properly. Re-enter dates if necessary or check for leading spaces or characters that may affect formatting.

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Edited by

Shreeya Thakur

Sr. Associate Content Writer at Unstop

I am a biotechnologist-turned-content writer and try to add an element of science in my writings wherever possible. Apart from writing, I like to cook, read and travel.