You can enter a date directly as a serial number (if you know it), but more often, you enter a date using any of several recognized date formats. Excel automatically converts your entry into the corresponding date serial number (which it uses for calculations), and it also applies the default date format to the cell so that it displays as an actual date rather than as a cryptic serial number.

For example, if you need to enter June 18, 2007, you can simply enter the date by typing June 18, 2007 (or any of several different date formats). Excel interprets your entry and stores the value 39251, the date serial number for that date. It also applies the default date format so that the cell contents may not appear exactly as you typed them.

When you activate a cell that contains a date, the Formula bar shows the cell contents formatted by using the default date format—which corresponds to your system’s short date format. The Formula bar doesn’t display the date’s serial number. If you need to find out the serial number for a particular date, format the cell using a nondate number format.

Table 16-1 shows a sampling of the date formats that Excel recognizes (using the U.S. settings). Results will vary if you use a different regional setting.

6-18-07 June 18, 2007
6-18-2007 June 18, 2007
6/18/07 June 18, 2007
6/18/2007 June 18, 2007
6-18/07 June 18, 2007
June 18, 2007 June 18, 2007
Jun 18 June 18 of the current year
June 18 June 18 of the current year
6/18 June 18 of the current year
6-18 June 18 of the current year
18-Jun-2007 June 18, 2007
2007/6/18 June 18, 2007

As you can see in Table 16-1, Excel is rather intelligent when it comes to recognizing dates entered into a cell. It’s not perfect, however. For example, Excel does not recognize any of the following entries as dates:

• June 18 2007
• Jun-18 2007
• Jun-18/2007

Rather, it interprets these entries as text. If you plan to use dates in formulas, make sure that Excel can recognize the date you enter as a date; otherwise, the formulas that refer to these dates will produce incorrect results.

If you attempt to enter a date that lies outside of the supported date range, Excel interprets it as text. If you attempt to format a serial number that lies outside of the supported range as a date, the value displays as a series of pound signs (#########).

• adidas Men's Tirand III Tennis Shoe,White/Black/Red,11 M User Reviews Send this to a friend adidas Men's Tirand III Tennis Shoe,White/Black/Red,11 M Manufacturer: adidas Customer Rating: List Price:...
• My Prosper Internal Rate of Return Update (End of Jly 07) = 0.57% This is a RateLadder only IRR update. (An IRR lender “game” update is in the works.) I saw a big...
• The Evolution - Pictures of the Metamorphosis This section is where I will be periodically posting all of the pictures that I take throughout the process of...
• Maxam Portable Wood Putter User Reviews Send this to a friend Maxam Portable Wood Putter Manufacturer: Dashlynn Customer Rating: List Price: $47.95 Sale Price:...
• Bailey Creek Golf Course, Lake Alamanor, CA Bailey Creek Golf Course is located in: Lake Alamanor, CA Phone: 530-259-GOLF Website: http://www.baileycreek.com/ Course History: This stunning course was...