…returns the value of 1, which indicates date serial number 1. To illustrate the 1900 date system, this formula… To change the default date, choose Tools, Options, select the Calculation tab, and then select or clear the 1904 date system checkbox.)
(The default date for the Macintosh is 1904. Unfortunately, Excel’s serial number begins on Januand negative serial numbers aren’t recognized. However, there are several ways around this problem.Įxcel stores recent dates as a date serial number, which allows us to sort those dates and perform date arithmetic.
If you work with dates prior to the year 1900, Excel’s standard date-handling system will be no help.