In Excel which key is used for format number in date format?

The correct answer is Ctrl+Shift+3 because this specific key combination triggers the default date formatting layout (Day-Month-Year) for a highlighted cell in Excel.

• Step 1 (Operational Shortcut): Excel treats all dates behind the scenes as consecutive serial numbers. Pressing the Ctrl+Shift+3 combination instantly styles that underlying raw integer into a readable date format (e.g., 05-Mar-26).


• Step 2 (Mnemonic Clue): A helpful way to memorize this is that the number 3 key shares its position with the pound or hash symbol (#), which historically looks like a grid or calendar grid line marker.


• Incorrect Options:
  
  
  
  • Ctrl+Shift+6 is incorrect because it applies exponential scientific formatting to a selected cell value.
  
  
  • Ctrl+Shift+4 is incorrect because it converts cell numbers into a standard Currency format with decimal positions.
  
  
  • Shift+1 is incorrect because it does not trigger cell number formatting routines on its own.