We’ll show you how to convert dates to numbers, specifically serial numbers, in Excel. The method you use depends on how Excel stores dates in your worksheet; basically, how they are formatted.

Determine How Your Dates Are Formatted

Before you use one of the methods below to convert your date to a serial number, you need to determine how the date is formatted. By default, when you enter a date in Excel, it’s formatted as a date which is technically a number value. However, there may be instances where you enter, convert, or import dates that end up formatted as text values.

You can easily select the cell containing the date, head to the Home tab, and look at the Number Format drop-down box to see the current format of the cell. As you can see here, our date is formatted as a Date (number).

However, if you have many dates that you plan to convert, the above method can be tedious. Plus, if you have something random, for example, an apostrophe in front of the date, it may display in the Date format but be considered text when you try to convert it.

Instead, two simple Excel functions can help you.

Using the ISNUMBER Function

The ISNUMBER function lets you know if your data is formatted as a number and ISTEXT lets you know if it’s formatted as text. Depending on which you want to use, you’ll receive a True or False result.

To see if the dates in cells A2 through A13 are formatted as numbers, you’d use the following formula:

=ISNUMBER(A2:A13)

You can see here we receive a True result for those dates that are formatted as numbers and False for the one that is not.

Using the ISTEXT Function

If you prefer to see if your dates are formatted as text, use this formula:

=ISTEXT(A2:A13)

Like the other function, here we can see True for those dates formatted as text and False for the one that is not.

You can also use these functions to check a single cell with this formula if you like:

=ISTEXT(A2)

Once you determine the formatting for your date, you can use the corresponding method below to convert it to a serial number.

Convert a Numeric Date to a Serial Number

If you find that your date is formatted as a numeric value, you can simply change the format to display the serial number.

1. Select the cell or cell range and go to the Home tab.
2. Open the Number Format drop-down list and pick Number.

3. You should see the dates in your selected cells as the serial numbers.

4. You can then keep the cells selected and use the Decrease Decimal button in the Number section of the Home tab to remove the decimals.

Convert Dates to Numbers Without Decimals

If you prefer, you can convert the dates and remove the decimals in one fell swoop.

1. Select the cells containing the dates, right-click, and pick Format Cells. Alternatively, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + 1 on Windows or Command + 1 on Mac.
2. In the Format Cells dialog box, go to the Number tab and choose Number on the left.

3. You’ll see a preview of the serial number at the top. Change the Decimal Places setting to 0 and select OK to save the change.

4. You’ll then see your dates changed to serial numbers without decimals.

Convert a Text Date to a Serial Number

If you determine your date is using a text format, you can use a handy Excel date function. With the DATEVALUE function, you can quickly convert text dates to serial numbers.

The syntax is DATEVALUE(text) where you can use a cell reference, range, or exact date as the argument.

In this example, we’ll convert the cell range A2 through A13 from text dates to numbers with this formula:

=DATEVALUE(A2:A13)

As you can see, we have serial numbers for each date in our cell range. You may then want to remove the original dates or replace them by dragging the serial number range over them, per your preference.

To convert a single cell, use this formula replacing the cell reference with your own:

=DATEVALUE(A2)

To convert a specific date using the function, place the date within quotation marks as in these formulas:

=DATEVALUE(“1/1/2024”)

=DATEVALUE(“1-JANUARY-2024”)

=DATEVALUE(“2024/01/01”)

If you have trouble with your Excel formula, check out the possible causes and solutions.

In Excel, converting dates to numbers, specifically serial numbers, takes only a few minutes using these methods. For related tutorials, look at how to sort by date in Excel.

Use the Ribbon to Indent Cells

One of the easiest ways to indent cells is using the Alignment section of the ribbon in Excel. This allows you to indent from the left side of the cell as many levels as you like.

1. Select the cell containing the data you want to indent and head to the Home tab.
2. In the Alignment group, use the Increase Indent button to indent one level.

3. You can increase more than one level by continuing to select the Increase Indent icon.

4. To decrease the indent, simply use the Decrease Indent button.

Use the Format Cells Feature to Indent Cells

If you prefer to indent a cell from the right side or want a larger level size, you can use the Format Cells dialog box.

1. Select the cell you want to indent and do one of the following:
2. Right-click and choose Format Cells.
3. Use the small arrow in the lower right corner of the Alignment section on Windows.
4. Select Format > Cells from the menu bar on Mac.

5. When the Format Cells dialog box opens, confirm that you’re on the Alignment tab.
6. Use the Horizontal drop-down box to choose one of the indent options from Left, Right, or Distributed per your preference.

7. Enter a number or use the arrows in the Indent field to the right to specify the indent level.

8. Select OK to save your change, and you should see your cell indented per those settings.

Use a Keyboard Shortcut to Indent Cells

Do you like using Excel shortcuts to perform actions quickly? You can use a keyboard shortcut to indent text in a cell on both Windows and Mac.

Windows: Use the key combination Alt + H + 6 to indent one level from the left or Alt + H + 5 to decrease the indent.

Mac: Use the keyboard shortcut Control + Option + Tab to indent one level left from the left or Control + Option + Shift + Tab to decrease the indent.

On either platform, you can hold the modifier keys and continue pressing the last key to increase or decrease the indent levels. For example, on Mac, hold Control + Option while you keep pressing Tab to increase the indent one level at a time.

Use Spaces to Indent Cells

This final method for indenting on Excel is using your Space key. While not necessary if you want to indent all cell contents, it is required if you want to indent individual lines in the same cell. This is useful if you have separate lines of text as list items or an outline.

As a refresher, you can insert line breaks in a cell using a keyboard shortcut. Place your cursor in front of the word for the new line. Then, on Windows, use Alt + Enter, or on Mac, use Command + Return.

1. Select the cell with the lines you want to indent and place your cursor at the beginning of the line. You can do this in the cell itself or the Formula Bar at the top of the sheet.

Tip: If you don’t see the Formula Bar, go to the View tab and mark the Formula Bar checkbox.

2. Then, use the Spacebar to insert as many spaces as needed at the start of the line. You can do the same for the other lines of text in the cell as needed.

3. When you finish, use Enter or Return to apply the change.

Formatting in your Excel spreadsheet is a common action because you want to display your data in an easy-to-read way. If that means indenting a cell, we’ve shown you four simple ways to get it done.

Now that you know how to indent in Excel, why not look at how to fix a hanging indent in Microsoft Word.

Manually Adjust the Size of Periods in Word

If you have only certain periods that you want to adjust, it’s as easy as changing the font size for each one. You have more than one method to change the font size depending on your preference.

Use the Font Size Menu

1. Select a period by dragging your cursor through it or double-clicking it. You’ll then see it highlighted.
2. Go to the Home tab and choose a size in the Font Size drop-down menu.

3. You’ll see a preview in your document as you move your cursor through each size until you land on the one you want.

Use the Increase Font Size Button

You can also select a period and use the Increase Font Size button which is also in the Font section of the ribbon on the Home tab. If necessary, you can continually use the button to increase the size even more.

Use the Format Font Dialog Box

Maybe you’d like to make additional font changes along with the period size. In this case, you can use the Font dialog box.

1. Select the period and do one of the following:
2. On Windows, open the Font launcher using the tiny arrow in the corner of the Font section on the Home tab.

3. On Mac, go to Format > Font in the menu bar.

4. When the box opens, confirm you’re on the Font tab and use the Size menu to pick the size. You’ll see a preview of the new size at the bottom allowing you to adjust further if you wish.

5. Select OK to apply the size and any other changes you make.

Use the Floating Toolbar on Windows

In Word on Windows, you can also use the Font Size drop-down box in the floating toolbar. Select a period and the toolbar will display.

Automatically Adjust the Size of Periods in Word

If you prefer to change the size of all periods in your Word document, you don’t have to do this one by one, which is time-consuming. Using Find and Replace and the feature’s advanced options, you can increase the size of every period.

1. Open the Find and Replace tool one of these ways:
2. On Windows, go to the Home tab and choose Replace in the Editing section of the ribbon.

3. On Mac, select Edit > Find > Advanced Find and Replace.

4. When the dialog box opens, confirm you’re on the Replace tab. Then, type a period in the Find what and Replace with fields.

5. Select the More button (arrow button on Mac) to display the advanced options. Then, use the Format button to pick the Font option.

6. In the Font box, choose your desired font size in the Size box and select OK.

7. When you return to the Find and Replace box, you should see the new font size below your period in the Replace with field.

8. Use Replace All to change them all at once. Alternatively, you can also use the Replace button to see each replacement one at a time.

9. When you finish, you’ll see how many replacements were made. Depending on your cursor’s location in the document, you may be prompted to search from the beginning. Otherwise, you’ll see the total number of replacements.

You should then see all periods in your document using the size you picked.

While there isn’t a current setting to change the default font size of punctuation marks in Microsoft Word, these methods work perfectly for increasing the size of the periods along with commas or question marks in your document.

Now that you know how to make periods bigger in Word, look at how to apply small caps to fonts.

If you prefer to see Sunday instead of 1/1/23 or Saturday instead of 23-Dec-30, we’ll show you a few ways to convert the date to the day of the week in Excel.

Change the Cell Formatting

The easiest way to display weekday names instead of dates in Excel is by changing the cell formatting. When data in a cell is formatted as a date, you can simply change that to a custom format for the day name. This allows you to keep your days in their current location.

1. Select the cell, column, or cell range containing the dates you want to change by dragging your cursor through them.
2. Do one of the following:
3. Right-click and choose Format Cells.
4. Go to the Home tab, open the Number Format drop-down box, and choose More Number Formats.

5. When the Format Cells dialog box appears, make sure you’re on the Number tab and choose Custom on the left.

6. On the right, enter “dddd” in the Type field to display the full name of the day. If you want to use the weekday’s three-letter abbreviation, enter “ddd” instead.

7. You’ll see a sample of this format at the top of the box. Select OK to save the change.

You should then have your dates displayed as days of the week.

Tip: Check out our how-to if you’d like to sort by date values in Excel too.

Use the TEXT Function

If you’re familiar with using Excel formulas and don’t mind adding a new column, you can use the TEXT function to display days instead of dates. This is handy if you plan to keep both the weekday and the date or just delete the original dates.

1. Go to the first cell in the new column. You can use the column right next to the dates or another in the sheet per your preference.
2. Enter the following formula replacing the cell reference B2 with the cell containing the first date in your list. Then, use “dddd” for the full day name or “ddd” for the three-letter abbreviation, each must be within quotation marks:

=TEXT(B2,”dddd”)

3. You can then use autofill to copy the formula down to the remaining cells. Select the cell with the formula and drag the fill handle in the lower right corner of the cell downward.

You’ll then have the days of the week for each of your dates in a new column.

Combine the WEEKDAY and CHOOSE Functions

One more way to convert a date to the day of the week in Excel is with the WEEKDAY and CHOOSE functions. While a lengthier process than changing the cell formatting and longer formula than with the TEXT function, it’s still another option. This method also requires a new column for the results.

The WEEKDAY Function

The Excel WEEKDAY function obtains the day of the week from a date but displays it as a number. By default, 1 is for Sunday, 2 is for Monday, and so on. You would use the following formula to get the day of the week for the date in cell B2.

=WEEKDAY(B2)

As you can see, the weekday for our date is a 2, which is Monday.

The CHOOSE Function

The Excel CHOOSE function picks a value from a list of options with the first argument as the value you want to select and the remaining arguments as the list of items. To obtain the first day in our list of weekdays, you would use this formula:

=CHOOSE(1,”Sunday”,”Monday”,”Tuesday”,”Wednesday”,”Thursday”,”Friday”,”Saturday”)

The WEEKDAY and CHOOSE Functions

Now, you can combine these functions and their formulas to display the weekday names for your dates. You simply insert the WEEKDAY formula as the first argument for the CHOOSE formula which picks the day of the week based on the date in that cell.

Using our above example, we replace 1 with (WEEKDAY(B2)) like so:

=CHOOSE((WEEKDAY(B2)),”Sunday”,”Monday”,”Tuesday”,”Wednesday”,”Thursday”,”Friday”,”Saturday”)

Like with the TEXT function above, you can then use autofill to drag the formula down to the remaining cells to get the rest of the day names for your dates.

What’s the Day for That Date?

You can always pop out a calendar to see which day of the week a certain date falls on. However, if you have a list of dates in Excel, you have a few different ways to display the days instead.

For related tutorials, look at how to subtract dates in Microsoft Excel.

How to Add Holidays to Outlook Calendar on Your Desktop

If you use the Microsoft Outlook application on your desktop, you can add the holiday calendar on Windows in just a few steps, but Outlook on macOS works a bit differently.

Holidays in Outlook Calendar on Windows

Open Outlook on Windows and follow these steps to start seeing holidays on your calendar.

1. Select the File tab and choose Options.
2. In the pop-up window, pick Calendar on the left.
3. On the right side, move down to Calendar options and select the Add Holidays button.

4. Check the boxes for the regions you want to add and choose OK.

5. Select OK in the Outlook Options window to return to the main Outlook screen.
6. Pick the Calendar icon in the navigation, and you should then see the holiday calendar listed below My Calendars on the left, along with the holidays on your calendar to the right.

Holidays in Outlook Calendar on Mac

The Microsoft Outlook Calendar on macOS doesn’t offer the ability to add holidays like on Windows. However, if you add the holiday calendar in Outlook on the web (explained below), you should see it appear with your same Outlook account on Mac.

Remove Holidays From Outlook on the Desktop

You can hide or delete a holiday calendar that you add to Outlook Calendar. If you simply hide the calendar, you can always unhide it should you want to use it again later. However, if you delete it, you must follow the same steps as above to add it back.

To hide the calendar, uncheck the box (Windows) or circle (Mac) for the holiday calendar on the left below My Calendars.

To delete the calendar, right-click the calendar name and pick Delete Calendar on Windows or Delete Folder on Mac.

How to Add Holidays to Outlook Calendar on the Web

Along with using Microsoft Outlook on the web, you can enjoy syncing to your other devices using the same Outlook account. This includes adding the holiday calendar, as mentioned above, for macOS.

1. Visit Outlook on the web, sign in and select Calendar in the left-hand navigation.
2. Below the monthly calendar on the left, pick Add calendar.

3. In the pop-up window, choose Holidays on the left and then check the boxes for the country name(s) you want to add on the right. You can use the handy Filter at the top to quickly find the location you need.

4. Close the pop-up window using the X on the top right, and you should see holidays for your selected region(s) in the My calendars section on the left and the calendar on the right.

Remove Holidays From Outlook on the Web

Like the Outlook Calendar on your desktop, you can hide or delete the holiday calendar you add.

To hide the calendar, expand My calendars on the left and unmark the holiday calendar option.

To delete the calendar, hover your cursor over the calendar name to display the three dots to the right. Use the three dots to pick Remove, and the calendar will vanish.

How to Add Holidays to Outlook Calendar on Your Mobile Device

Like macOS, you cannot currently add a holiday calendar to the Outlook mobile app on Android or iPhone. However, if you add it to the Outlook web app and sign in with the same account in the mobile app, you should see the holiday calendar.

Select the Calendar tab to view the holidays, or tap the Calendar icon on the top left to choose the calendars to display per account and select the holidays.

If you’re having trouble syncing Outlook Calendar on your iPhone or syncing the Outlook app in general, check out our lists of fixes.

Remove Holidays From Outlook on Mobile

To completely remove the holiday calendar from the Outlook mobile app, remove it from your account on Outlook.com.

Alternatively, you can hide the holiday calendar. Select the Calendar tab at the bottom and then the Calendar icon on the top left.

Uncheck the box (Android) or circle (iOS) next to the holiday calendar, and you’ll see it disappear when you return to your calendar.

Don’t Miss an Important Date

There are plenty of reasons for adding holidays to your calendar. Plan your vacation around one, set up a holiday party, see when your kids will be out of school, or find out when you and your coworkers have a day off. At least it’s easy to add holidays to Outlook Calendar regardless of your device.

For more, look at fun ways to use your smart home devices for the holidays.