Chapter 3: Dates and odd displays
Exercise 12: Fix dates shown as numbers
Task
The dates show as numbers like 46328. Display them as "11/2/2026".
Moves 0 (target 1)4 difference(s) from the model
File
Font
Alignment
Number
Styles
Cells
A1Press and release Alt to show KeyTips (Windows). Ctrl + 1 opens Format Cells, Ctrl + Z undoes.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Date | Description | |
| 2 | 46328 | Order | |
| 3 | 46329 | Receive | |
| 4 | 46331 | Inspect | |
| 5 | 46335 | Ship | |
| 6 | |||
| 7 |
The dates show as numbers like 46328. Display them as "11/2/2026".
This drill is for computer screens. On a phone you can review the steps.
- Select A2:A5
- Ctrl + 1 > Number > Date: choose the 3/14/2012 type and click OK
- Another way: Home > Number Format list > Short Date
Key takeaway
Excel stores dates as serial numbers. Setting a date format shows them as dates again.
See custom number formats for details.