How to Insert a Calendar in Google Sheets Cell to Select a Date

Want to make it easier for yourself or others to enter dates in Google Sheets? Instead of manually typing them in and risking formatting issues, you can insert a calendar (date picker) directly into a cell. This makes your spreadsheet more interactive, accurate, and user-friendly.

Whether you're managing schedules, tracking projects, or collaborating through Google Docs or Sheets, a built-in calendar dropdown saves time and reduces errors.

Here’s how to do it in just a few easy steps.

Steps to Add a Date Picker in Google Sheets

1. Open Your Google Sheet

Start by opening your Google Sheets document where you'd like the calendar to appear. You can either create a new sheet or use an existing one.

2. Select the Target Cell or Range

Click on the cell (or range of cells) where you want users to select a date using the calendar popup.

3. Go to the “Data” Menu

In the top menu bar, click on Data , then select Data validation from the dropdown.

4. Choose the “Date” Criteria

In the data validation panel:

1. Under Criteria , choose Date .
   
2. You can further refine this by choosing options like “is a valid date,” “is after,” or “is between,” depending on your needs.
   

5. Enable the Calendar Popup

Make sure the checkbox next to “Show dropdown list in cell” is selected. This activates the clickable calendar icon.

6. Click “Done”

Once everything is set, click Done . Now, whenever someone clicks that cell, they’ll see a calendar to select the date.

7. Test It

Click the cell to confirm the calendar icon appears. Select a date, and it should populate automatically in the correct format.

Why Use a Calendar Picker in Google Sheets?

1. Prevents errors : Avoids incorrect or inconsistent date entries.
   
2. Speeds up data entry : Faster than typing in dates.
   
3. Enhances user experience : Especially helpful in shared sheets or collaborative workflows.
   

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FAQs

Can I add a calendar in Google Sheets on mobile?

Currently, Google Sheets mobile app doesn't support data validation in the same way. For the best experience, use the desktop version.

Can I format the selected date automatically?

Yes, just select the cell(s), click Format > Number > Date , and choose your desired date format.

Can I add conditional formatting to the calendar cell?

Absolutely! Use Format > Conditional formatting to apply rules—like highlighting weekends or overdue dates.

Is the calendar dropdown available for all versions of Google Sheets?

Yes, this feature is available in all versions of Google Sheets, including free personal accounts and Google Workspace.