Others

How to Calculate a Due Date 10 Days After Assignment in Microsoft Lists

Emma Brown Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to automatically calculate and display a due date that is exactly 10 days after a task is assigned in Microsoft Lists.

How to Calculate a Due Date 10 Days After Assignment in Microsoft Lists

Product: Microsoft Lists
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Setting up a task tracking list where tasks have a standard 10-day turnaround time from their assignment date, but the due date should remain blank if the assignment date is missing.
Observed behavior: A calculated column formula is required to dynamically add 10 days to the 'Date Assigned' field while cleanly handling empty date fields.

Before you start

Ensure you have 'Edit' permissions for the Microsoft List and that you have already created a Date and Time column named exactly 'Date Assigned'.

Solution 1Recommended

Use an IF Formula in a Calculated Column

Create a calculated column that adds 10 days to the assignment date, utilizing an IF statement and the ISBLANK function to handle empty fields appropriately.

By setting up a calculated column, Microsoft Lists can automatically populate deadlines without manual entry. The formula uses basic arithmetic to add days and logical checks to prevent errors when a task hasn't been assigned yet.

Open Column Settings

Navigate to your Microsoft List, click on '+ Add column' at the end of your headers, and select 'Calculated' from the dropdown menu (you may need to click 'More...' to find it).

Name the Column

In the Column name text box, type 'Due Date' as the identifier for your new calculated field.

Enter the Formula

In the Formula box, copy and paste the following exact formula: =IF(ISBLANK([Date Assigned]),"",[Date Assigned]+10)

Set the Data Type

Scroll down to 'The data type returned from this formula is', select 'Date and Time', choose 'Date Only' for the format, and click 'OK' to save.

Use an IF Formula in a Calculated Column

Handling Blank Values: The ISBLANK function ensures that if the 'Date Assigned' field is empty, the 'Due Date' field will also remain blank instead of defaulting to a 1900-era date or displaying an error.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Project Deadlines Easily with WPS Spreadsheet

While Microsoft Lists requires a Microsoft 365 subscription, you can easily build powerful project trackers and manage deadlines using WPS Spreadsheet. It offers seamless date calculation formulas, is completely free, and is a perfect alternative to Microsoft Office.

1. Create a New Tracker: Open WPS Spreadsheet and set up your headers with 'Date Assigned' in column A and 'Due Date' in column B.
2. Enter the Formula: Click on cell B2 and type the formula =IF(ISBLANK(A2),"",A2+10) to calculate the deadline.
3. Drag to Apply: Click and drag the small fill handle in the bottom-right corner of cell B2 downwards to instantly apply the formula to all your tasks.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless file sharing and migration.Supports standard date calculation formulas, including IF, ISBLANK, and WORKDAY functions.Free, lightweight software that runs smoothly on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Features a familiar tabbed interface for easy onboarding and intuitive data tracking.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I getting a syntax error when creating my due date formula in Microsoft Lists?

Syntax errors usually occur if there is a typo in the column name or missing parentheses. Ensure that you have spelled '[Date Assigned]' exactly as it appears in your list, including the square brackets, and that your commas and quotation marks are placed correctly.

Can I add working days instead of calendar days in Microsoft Lists?

The standard '+10' formula adds calendar days. To add strictly working days (excluding weekends), you would need to use a much more complex conditional formula or set up a Power Automate flow, as Microsoft Lists does not natively support a WORKDAY function like Excel or WPS Spreadsheet does.

How do I make the due date column display only the date without a timestamp?

When setting up your calculated column, scroll down to the 'The data type returned from this formula is' section. Select 'Date and Time', and then immediately below it, choose the 'Date Only' radio button instead of 'Date & Time'.

Office Quick Solutions