How to Make an Excel Calendar Template Start on Monday
Question details
The user wants to use or modify an Excel calendar template so that the week starts on Monday instead of Sunday.
- Product
- Microsoft Excel
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Creating or setting up a digital calendar in a spreadsheet for planning, while needing a layout that follows a Monday-first workweek.
- Observed behavior
- Most default Excel calendar templates are hardcoded or use VBA to start on Sunday. Modifying these VBA-based templates manually breaks the automatic date calculations for future years.
Before attempting to modify complex Excel templates, check if the template uses VBA macros, as manual changes to the layout can break automated date calculations.
Search for Dedicated Monday-Start Calendar Templates
The easiest and most reliable method is to find templates specifically designed with Monday as the first day of the week, avoiding VBA calculation errors.
Since many automated templates cannot be easily adjusted without rewriting the underlying code, Microsoft and community creators offer dedicated templates built specifically for Monday-first users.
Launch Microsoft Excel and navigate to 'File' > 'New' to access the built-in template search bar.
Type 'Calendar Monday' or 'Monday start calendar' in the search box and press Enter to filter the available templates.
Browse the results, select a calendar template that fits your aesthetic and functional needs, and click 'Create' to download and open it.
Adjust System Regional Settings (For Dynamic Templates)
Some dynamic, formula-based templates pull the first day of the week directly from your Windows system settings. Changing this can automatically update compatible calendars.
Use WPS Office for Customizable Monday-Start Calendar Templates
WPS Office offers a rich template library built right into the spreadsheet application, including a wide variety of Monday-start calendars tailored for different planning needs. You can easily download and customize them without worrying about broken VBA codes.
- 1. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office on your computer and open a new Spreadsheet tab.
- 2. Access the Template Library: Click on the 'New' button, then select 'Templates' to open the integrated WPS template library.
- 3. Search for Monday Calendars: Type 'Monday calendar' in the search bar to instantly locate templates pre-configured to start the week on Monday.
- 4. Download and Customize: Hover over your preferred template, click 'Use Now' to download it, and begin scheduling immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does changing Sunday to Monday break my Excel calendar template?
Many automated Excel templates use VBA (Visual Basic for Applications) or complex matrix formulas tied to specific cell references. Manually typing 'Monday' over 'Sunday' does not update the underlying code, causing future dates, months, and leap years to calculate incorrectly.
Can I use formulas to force my custom calendar to start on Monday?
Yes. If you are building your own calendar using Excel formulas, you can use the WEEKDAY function with a return_type of 2 (e.g., =WEEKDAY(A1, 2)). This setting specifically assigns Monday as 1 and Sunday as 7, allowing your custom grid to calculate dates correctly.
Is there a global setting in Excel to universally change the start day of the week for all files?
No, Excel does not have a single internal toggle to change the first day of the week for all downloaded templates. While Excel uses your system's Regional Settings for standard date rendering, individual downloaded templates often override this with hardcoded layouts.
How can I request more Monday-start templates from Microsoft?
You can submit feedback directly to the developers through Excel. Go to 'File' > 'Feedback' > 'Send a Suggestion', and request that they publish equivalent templates that start on Monday or include a built-in toggle for the first day of the week.
