As an Excel user, you know how important it is to be efficient when working with large sets of data. One way to increase your productivity is by learning shortcut keys, especially for frequently used functions like adding dates. In this article, we’ll explore the most useful shortcut keys for entering dates in Excel.
Shortcut Key for Today’s Date (Ctrl + 😉
When you need to enter today’s date in an Excel cell, the easiest way is to use the Ctrl + ; shortcut key. This shortcut key inserts the current date into the selected cell, in the default date format for your computer’s regional settings.
Note that the date entered using this shortcut key will be static, meaning it won’t change when you reopen the Excel file or update the worksheet. If you need to have a dynamic date that updates automatically, use the =TODAY() function instead.
Shortcut Key for Current Time (Ctrl + Shift + 😉
If you need to add the current time in an Excel cell, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + ; shortcut key. This shortcut key inserts the current time into the selected cell, in the default time format for your computer’s regional settings.
Just like the shortcut key for today’s date, the time entered using this shortcut key will be static. If you need a dynamic time that updates automatically, use the =NOW() function instead.
Shortcut Key for Date Serial Number (Ctrl + #)
Excel stores dates as serial numbers, which represent the number of days since January 1, 1900. If you need to enter a date serial number directly into a cell, you can use the Ctrl + # shortcut key.
For example, to enter the date serial number for January 1, 2022, type 44405 (which is the number of days between January 1, 1900, and January 1, 2022) into the cell, and then use the Ctrl + # shortcut key. Excel will automatically convert the serial number to the corresponding date format for your computer’s regional settings.
Shortcut Key for Adding a Month (Ctrl + Shift + #)
If you need to add a month to a date in an Excel cell, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + # shortcut key. This shortcut key adds one month to the date in the selected cell, based on your computer’s regional settings.
For example, if you have the date January 15, 2022, in a cell, using the Ctrl + Shift + # shortcut key will change the date to February 15, 2022.
Shortcut Key for Adding a Year (Ctrl + Shift + !)
If you need to add a year to a date in an Excel cell, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + ! shortcut key. This shortcut key adds one year to the date in the selected cell, based on your computer’s regional settings.
For example, if you have the date January 15, 2022, in a cell, using the Ctrl + Shift + ! shortcut key will change the date to January 15, 2023.
Shortcut Key for Editing a Date (F2)
If you want to edit a date in an Excel cell, you can use the F2 key to enter edit mode for the cell. Once in edit mode, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor within the date, and then make any necessary changes.
For example, if you have the date January 15, 2022, in a cell, you can use the F2 key to enter edit mode, move the cursor to the year, and then change it to 2023.
Shortcut Key for Formatting Dates (Ctrl + Shift + # or Ctrl + Shift + @)
If you need to format a date in an Excel cell, you can use the Ctrl + Shift + # or Ctrl + Shift + @ shortcut keys to apply the default date or time format for your computer’s regional settings.
The Ctrl + Shift + # shortcut key applies the date format, while the Ctrl + Shift + @ shortcut key applies the time format.
Shortcut Key for Customizing Date Formats (Ctrl + 1)
If you need to customize the format of a date in an Excel cell, you can use the Ctrl + 1 shortcut key to open the Format Cells dialog box. From there, you can select the date format you want from the Category list, and then customize it further using the options in the Type list.
For example, you can use this shortcut key to change the date format from the default format (e.g., “1/15/2022”) to a custom format (e.g., “January 15, 2022”).
Conclusion
Knowing shortcut keys for frequently used functions in Excel, like adding dates, can significantly increase your productivity and efficiency. In this article, we’ve explored some of the most useful shortcut keys for entering dates in Excel, including shortcut keys for entering today’s date, the current time, and date serial numbers. We’ve also looked at shortcut keys for adding or editing dates, formatting dates, and customizing date formats.
