where “start” is the named range G4, and “offset” is the named range G5. Notes: (1) the offset represents days before the start date to display in the list. (2) the shading of the start date is done with conditional formatting as described below. In the example shown, the date in the named range “start” is provided by the TODAY function: The formula in B5 begins with the start date, and increments the date by one using an expanding range inside the ROWS function: ROWS returns the row count in a range. As the formula is copied down, the range expands and the row count increases by one at each new row. From this value, we subtract 1, so the date is not incremented in the first row. Next, we subtract the value in in the named range “offset” (G5). The offset is simply a way to begin the list of dates earlier than the start date provided. If offset is zero or blank, the first date in the list will equal the start date. To display a weekday, the formula in C5 is: To display a month, the formula in D5 is: See this article for more examples of custom number formats in Excel. The formulas in B5, C5, and D5 can be copied down as many rows as desired.
Highlighting the start date
The start date is shaded with a conditional formatting rule based on this formula: For more examples of applying conditional formatting with formulas, see this article.
Dave Bruns
Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.
