How to Change Date Format in a SharePoint List
Question details
The user wants to modify how dates and times are displayed within a SharePoint list.
- Product
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Customizing or correcting the display of date and time columns in SharePoint list views to match regional preferences or specific formatting requirements.
- Observed behavior
- Date and time formats default to the site's standard regional settings, requiring adjustments for personalized views or the use of a calculated column for universally visible custom formats.
Ensure you have the necessary permissions to edit site settings or list columns if you intend to apply changes for all users on the SharePoint site.
Modify Personal Language and Regional Settings
Adjust your Microsoft 365 account settings to change how dates display for you based on regional preferences.
By default, SharePoint lists display dates according to the site's regional settings. However, you can override this for your own account by updating your personal Microsoft 365 profile settings.
Log into your Microsoft 365 account and click on your profile picture or initials in the top right corner.
Select 'View account', then navigate to the 'Settings & Privacy' or 'Language and region' section.
Locate the 'Region' or 'Time zone' settings and select your preferred display format.
Save your new preferences. SharePoint lists will now automatically display dates according to your personal regional settings.
Create a Calculated Column for Custom Date Formats
Use a calculated column with a formula if you need a specific custom date format to be visible to all users viewing the list.
Easily Manage Data and Dates with WPS Office
While SharePoint lists are excellent for web-based collaboration, managing extensive datasets and freely customizing date formats is often much simpler in a dedicated spreadsheet. WPS Spreadsheet offers a free, lightweight, and highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Excel for formatting dates, analyzing complex data, and sharing files seamlessly.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your spreadsheet document.
- 2. Select date cells: Highlight the cells containing the dates you want to format.
- 3. Apply custom format: Right-click the selection, choose 'Format Cells', navigate to the 'Date' category, and select your preferred layout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an administrator change the default date format for the entire SharePoint site?
Yes. Site owners or administrators can change the default format by navigating to Site Settings, selecting Regional Settings, and updating the Locale or Time Zone. This updates the default display for all users who haven't manually set their own personal regional preferences.
Why is my SharePoint list date showing the wrong time zone?
SharePoint lists display times based on either the site's default time zone or your personal Microsoft 365 account settings. To fix this, update your personal language and region settings in your Microsoft 365 profile to match your correct local time zone.
What formula do I use in a calculated column to show only the month and year?
To display only the month and year, create a calculated column and use the formula =TEXT([YourDateColumn], "MMMM YYYY"). Be sure to set the output data type to 'Single line of text' so it displays correctly.
