Excel: How Can I Tell If Have Real Dates?

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Problem: How can I tell if I have real dates or text dates? They look alike.

  1. You can't tell by looking if you have real dates.

    Strategy: Go to the Formulas tab and click the Show Formulas icon. (You can also press Ctrl+`, this is the grave accent, often located on the same key as the Tilde, just below Esc on U.S. keyboards.) In Show Formulas mode, real dates will show as serial numbers. Text dates will stay as dates.

  2. In Show Formulas mode, real dates show serial numbers.

    Gotcha: Don't forget to toggle out of Show Formulas mode.

  3. Leaving Excel in Show Formulas mode will confuse everyone.