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How to Add an Abbreviated Weekday to Microsoft Project Dates

Olivia Miller Oct 1, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to display dates in Microsoft Project with an abbreviated weekday alongside a standard dd/mm/yyyy format, which is not available by default.

How to Add an Abbreviated Weekday to Microsoft Project Dates

Product: Microsoft Project
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Formatting project timeline dates to include the day of the week for better schedule readability.
Observed behavior: The standard dd/mm/yyyy format displays the date but fails to add the abbreviated weekday, and the specific combination is missing from default format settings.

Before you start

Check your current date format settings in Microsoft Project's General Options to see if a recently added built-in format already meets your requirements.

Solution 1

Select the Closest Built-in Date Format

If you do not strictly require a custom format, choosing the closest available standard format is the fastest workaround.

Microsoft Project comes with a variety of predefined date formats. While it might not have the exact abbreviated weekday with dd/mm/yyyy, using a similar built-in format saves time and avoids the need to create custom fields.

Access Project Options

Open your Microsoft Project file, click on the 'File' tab in the top-left corner, and select 'Options' from the bottom of the menu.

Choose Date Format

In the 'General' tab, locate the 'Date format' dropdown menu. Scroll through the list and select the format that includes an abbreviated weekday (e.g., 'Mon 1/28/02').

Apply Changes

Click 'OK' to save your settings. All project dates will now display using the selected format.

Solution 2Recommended

Create a Custom Field for the Exact Date Format

Use a custom text field with a formula to extract and display the exact abbreviated weekday and dd/mm/yyyy format.

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2. Open WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and either open your existing project timeline (.xlsx) or start a new one.
3. Apply Custom Date Format: Select your date cells, right-click and choose 'Format Cells', then simply type 'ddd dd/mm/yyyy' in the Custom category.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the default date format for all future projects in Microsoft Project?

Yes. If you go to File > Options > General and change the date format there, Microsoft Project will apply this selected format as the default for all future project files you create on that device.

Why is my custom date formula showing an error in Microsoft Project?

Errors usually occur due to syntax mistakes. Ensure that the field name is enclosed in square brackets (like [Start]) and the formatting string is enclosed in double quotes (like "ddd dd/mm/yyyy"). Also, verify that your local system settings use commas to separate formula arguments.

Can I format the default Start and Finish columns directly in Microsoft Project?

No, Microsoft Project restricts direct custom text formatting on the default Start and Finish columns. You must either use the predefined options available in the General settings or create a separate Custom Text Field to display your exact desired format.

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