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Enter a date

If a cell is configured to validate the specified date, in such a cell, you can enter:

  • Number. The application will automatically convert it to the appropriate date. For example, the number 1 will be converted to the date 12/31/1899.
  • The date in any supported data display format, including time indication. For example, 07/12/2023 10:30 AM.
  • Cell reference (for example, =B1). The date in a cell can be specified directly, using a function or a reference to another cell.
  • Function (for example, =TODAY()+6). The function can be of any kind.

An error message is displayed if:

  • You enter a date, a cell reference, or a function that does not comply with the validation.
  • You enter text into the cell or Text format is selected for the cell.

To enter a date in a cell, follow the steps below:

  1. Select the cell. A prompt for entering the date will be displayed above the cell, if it was created.
  2. Enter the date in one of the ways described above.
  3. Press Enter or click the accept_icon button in the Formula bar. If the date is not entered as a reference or function, you can also click any other cell in the sheet or any column/row header.

If the date satisfies the validation conditions, you will quit the cell editing mode. The Date format is applied to a cell if another format was selected for the cell before entering the value (with an exception of the Text format).

If the date does not meet the validation conditions, then:

  • The date is highlighted.
  • The cell remains in editing mode.
  • An error message is displayed.

To close the error message and enter the correct date, do one of the following:

  • Start entering the date. The error message will close automatically.
  • Close the error message by clicking the data_checkin_close button at the top of the message or by pressing Esc. Enter the date.