Changing the date format in Excel 2016 is simpler than you may think. In just a few clicks, you can switch from the American style of month/day/year to the European style of day/month/year, or even to a completely custom format. It’s all about finding the right menu and picking the format that suits your needs. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how you can make that happen.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Change the Date Format in Excel 2016
Before we start, remember that changing the date format will only affect how the dates are displayed, not how they are stored or calculated in Excel. Ready to give your spreadsheet that personal touch? Follow these steps!
Step 1: Select the Cells Containing Dates
Click and drag your mouse across the cells that have the dates you want to change.
Selecting the cells is crucial, as it tells Excel exactly which data you want to format. Make sure not to select any cells with different types of data, as this could cause issues with the formatting.
Step 2: Open the Format Cells Dialog Box
Right-click on the selected cells and choose ‘Format Cells’ from the context menu.
This is where the magic happens. The Format Cells dialog box is the gateway to all sorts of formatting options, not just for dates but for numbers, text and much more.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Number’ Tab
In the Format Cells dialog box, click on the ‘Number’ tab to view the formatting options for numbers and dates.
The Number tab is where Excel keeps all its number-related formatting, including dates since dates are essentially numbers to Excel.
Step 4: Choose ‘Date’ from the Category List
In the Number tab, you’ll see a list of categories on the left. Click on ‘Date’.
This step brings up all the different date formats that Excel has on offer, from the very simple to the quite complex.
Step 5: Select Your Desired Date Format
Pick your desired date format from the list of available options and click ‘OK’.
There are quite a few to choose from, so you might need to scroll through to find the one you want. If none of the standard options fit your needs, you can even create a custom format.
After completing these steps, the dates in your selected cells will now display in the new format you’ve chosen. It’s a quick and easy way to make sure your data looks just the way you want it.
Tips for Changing the Date Format in Excel 2016
- Always make sure you’ve selected the right cells before you begin to change the date format.
- If you’re working with a large dataset, use the ‘Find & Select’ feature to quickly select all cells containing dates.
- You can create a custom date format if none of the built-in options suit your needs.
- Remember that changing the date format does not change the actual date value, just the way it’s displayed.
- Be aware that changing the date format may affect formulas that rely on date calculations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the date format I need isn’t listed?
If the date format you’re looking for isn’t available, you can create a custom format by selecting ‘Custom’ from the Category list in the Format Cells dialog box.
Can I change the date format for the entire worksheet at once?
Yes, you can format an entire worksheet by selecting all cells (Ctrl + A) and then following the same steps. Just be careful, as this will format all cells, not just those containing dates.
Will changing the date format affect my data?
No, the underlying data will remain the same. Only the way the date is displayed will change.
Can I use these steps to change the time format as well?
Yes, the steps are similar for changing the time format. Instead of choosing ‘Date’ from the Category list, you’d choose ‘Time’.
What if I change my mind?
No problem! Just repeat the steps and choose a different format, or hit Ctrl + Z to undo the change.
Summary
- Select the cells with dates.
- Open the Format Cells dialog box.
- Click the ‘Number’ tab.
- Choose ‘Date’ from the category list.
- Select your desired date format.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve reached the end of this guide, you’re fully equipped to change the date format in Excel 2016 to whatever your heart desires or your project requires. It’s a skill that may seem small, but it holds great power in making your data more understandable and accessible. Whether you’re preparing a report, organizing a project, or just trying to make sense of a dataset, the right date format can make all the difference. So go ahead, give it a try and watch your data transform before your eyes. And if you ever get stuck, just remember that Excel is packed with features and options to help you out, and there’s a whole community of Excel enthusiasts out there ready to lend a hand. Happy formatting!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
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