Any inconsistencies in date formats can be confusing. It could even lead to a wrong understanding of data. So, knowing how to change the date format in MS Excel can be incredibly useful. Below are a couple of methods through which you can change the date format in MS Excel.
2 Methods to change the date format in Microsoft Excel:
- Use the Home tab
- Use the Format Cells option
- Use the Right-Click menu
Let us begin.
Method #1: Use the Home Tab
Excel makes popular commands easily accessible by putting them in a ribbon at the top of all documents. Learning what is where in this ribbon, and using it regularly, will help you make changes to dates quickly. This method shares where in the ribbon to make changes to the date format.
Step #1: Open your Excel workbook
Open an existing workbook or create a new one.
Step #2: Select a cell
Select the cell in which you want to change the date by clicking on it.
You can confirm your choice in the Name Box in the top left.
In our example, it’s cell A1.
Step #3: Click the dropdown
Click on the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.
In the Number section, you will find a dropdown.
Click on the dropdown arrow to the right to view the options.
Step #4: Choose a format
Under the dropdown menu, you will see a few date options. Choose a suitable option.
For our example, we choose Long Date.
You will see that the date has been changed to Long Date format now.
Method #2: Use the Format Cells Option
This method is efficient if you want to change a whole column of dates, or just one.
Step #1: Select a cell
Select the cell in which you want to change the date by clicking on it.
You can confirm your choice in the Name Box in the top left.
In our example, it’s cell A2.
Step #2: Access the Font section
In the Home tab, go to the Font section and click on the expand icon. This is a small triangle at the bottom right of the Font section.
Once you click on the expand icon, you will see the Format Cells dialog box open.
Step #3: Select the Date option
In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the Number tab.
From the Category panel, choose Date.
In the Type section, select the preferred date format.
Step #4: Click OK
After you have selected your choice, click the OK button.
You’ll now be able to see the date format changed to your preferred one.
Method #3: Use the Right-Click Menu
Clicking right on your mouse brings up a menu with all the most popular commands, making changes quick and easy almost without touching your keyboard. This method explains how to use this menu.
Step #1: Select a cell
Select the cell in which you want to change the date by clicking on it.
You can confirm your choice in the Name Box in the top left.
In our example, it’s cell A3.
Step #2: Right-click on the cell
While keeping your cursor on the selected cell, click on the right-hand side button of your mouse.
A new quick access menu will open.
Select Format Cells from this menu.
Step #3: Choose a format
In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the Number tab.
From the Category panel, choose Date.
In the Type section, select the preferred date format.
Or:
You can also select Custom and select any of the date options displayed there.
For example, selecting mmm-yy will display the first three letters of the month, and the last two digits of the year.
Step #4: Click OK
After you have selected your choice, click the OK button.
You can now see the format changed.
Conclusion
You don’t have to struggle to change your date format. With these three quick and simple methods, you can change the date format in MS Excel in seconds.