How to change the date format in Microsoft Excel We're using a spreadsheet that includes dates of hire for employees of a fictitious company, to show different ways to format dates in Excel.

Use Microsoft Excel's TODAY() function in simple expressions to highlight the current date and past and future dates.

Use Excel's named ranges and tables to simplify your formulas. This makes them more understandable and prevents errors. A well-organized sheet is key to writing seamless formulas.