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How do I create a date in Excel spreadsheet?

Published in Excel Dates 3 mins read

You can create a date in an Excel spreadsheet by directly typing it into a cell or using the "Fill Series" option for sequential dates.

Here's a breakdown of both methods:

1. Directly Typing a Date:

  1. Select a cell: Click on the cell where you want to enter the date.
  2. Type the date: Enter the date in a format that Excel recognizes (e.g., MM/DD/YYYY, DD/MM/YYYY, YYYY-MM-DD). For example, you might type "1/1/2024" or "01/01/2024."
  3. Press Enter: Excel will usually automatically format the cell as a date. If it doesn't, see the formatting options below.

2. Creating a Series of Sequential Dates:

  1. Enter the starting date: Type the initial date into a cell, as described above.
  2. Select the cell: Click on the cell containing the starting date.
  3. Use the Fill Handle: Hover your mouse over the small square (the fill handle) in the bottom-right corner of the selected cell. The cursor will change to a plus sign (+).
  4. Drag the fill handle: Click and drag the fill handle down (or across) to the number of cells you want to fill with sequential dates. Excel will automatically populate the cells with consecutive dates. You can also right-click and drag the fill handle to access a menu with more options.
  5. Using the Fill Series Dialogue Box (Alternative):
    1. Enter the starting date in a cell.
    2. Select the cell (or a range of cells where you want the dates).
    3. Go to the Home tab.
    4. In the Editing group, click Fill and then choose Series.
    5. In the Series dialog box:
      • Choose Columns or Rows depending on the direction you want the dates to fill.
      • Select Date as the Type.
      • Choose Day, Weekday, Month, or Year as the Date unit.
      • Enter the Step value (usually 1 for consecutive days).
      • Enter a Stop value (the last date in the series, or leave it blank to fill to the selected range).
      • Click OK.

Formatting Dates:

If Excel doesn't automatically format the cell as a date or if you want to change the date format:

  1. Select the cell(s): Select the cell or cells containing the date(s) you want to format.
  2. Right-click: Right-click on the selected cell(s).
  3. Choose "Format Cells": Select "Format Cells" from the context menu.
  4. Go to the "Number" tab: In the Format Cells dialog box, click the "Number" tab.
  5. Select "Date" category: In the Category list, choose "Date."
  6. Choose a format: Select the desired date format from the list on the right.
  7. Click "OK": Click OK to apply the formatting.

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