How to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates That Are Older Than a Certain Date in Excel (5 Methods)

Dataset Overview

To illustrate these methods, let’s use a dataset containing the joining dates of 10 employees in a new startup company. Our dataset is located within the range of cells B5:C14.

We need to figure out those employees who joined before August 29, 2022, or those dates that are older than August 29, 2022.


Method 1 – Using the DATE Function

In this method, we’ll utilize the DATE function to apply conditional formatting for dates older than a specified date. Follow these steps:

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • Go to the Home tab, click the drop-down arrow of Conditional Formatting and select New Rules in the Styles group.

Launching Conditional Formatting Dialog Box to Apply New Rules to Format Cells

  • A dialog box named New Formatting Rule will appear.
  • Select the Use a formula to determine which cells to format option.
  • In the empty box below the text, Formula values where this formula is true, enter the following formula:

=C5<DATE(2022,8,29)

  • Click the Format option.

Writing Proper Formula Using The DATE Function to Get the Formatting

  • Another dialog box titled Format Cells will appear.
  • Set the cell formatting according to your preference. For example, choose the Orange, Accent 2, Lighter 40% color from the Fill tab.
  • Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

  • Click OK again to close the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

  • You’ll see that the dates older than August 29, 2022, are highlighted.

Using DATE Function to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates Older Than A Certain Date

This confirms that the formula is working correctly, and conditional formatting for dates older than a specific date is applied successfully.


Method 2 – Using the TODAY Function

In this approach, we’ll use the TODAY function to apply conditional formatting for dates older than the current date. Follow these steps:

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • In the Home tab, click the drop-down arrow of Conditional Formatting and select New Rules in the Styles group.

Opening Conditional Formatting Dialog Box to Apply New Rules to Format Cells

  • The New Formatting Rule dialog box will appear.
  • Select the Use a formula to determine which cells to format option.
  • In the empty box below the text, Formula values where this formula is true, enter the following formula:

=C5<TODAY()

  • Click the Format option.

Writing Suitable Formula Using The TODAY Function

  • Another dialog box named Format Cells will appear.
  • Set the cell formatting according to your preference. For instance, choose the Orange, Accent 2, Lighter 40% color from the Fill tab.
  • Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

  • Click OK again to close the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

  • You’ll observe that dates older than the current date are highlighted.

Applying TODAY Function to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates Older Than A Certain Date

This demonstrates that the formula is effective, and conditional formatting for dates older than the current date is successfully applied.


Method 3 – Using the DATEVALUE Function

In this process, we’ll utilize the DATEVALUE function to apply conditional formatting for dates older than a specified date. Follow these steps:

Steps:

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • Go to the Home tab, then click the drop-down arrow of Conditional Formatting and select New Rules in the Styles group.

Launching Conditional Formatting Dialog Box to Format Dates

  • A small dialog box titled New Formatting Rule will appear.
  • Select the Use a formula to determine which cells to format option.
  • In the empty box below the text, Formula values where this formula is true, enter the following formula:

=C5<DATEVALUE("08/29/22")

  • Click the Format option.

Writing Suitable Formula Using The DATEVALUE Function to Get the Formatted Date Cells

  • Another dialog box named Format Cells will appear.
  • Set the cell formatting according to your preference. For example, choose the Orange, Accent 2, Lighter 40% color from the Fill tab.
  • Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

  • Click OK to close the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

  • You’ll see that the dates older than August 29, 2022, are highlighted.

Utilizing DATEVALUE Function to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates Older Than A Certain Date

This confirms that the formula works accurately, and conditional formatting for dates older than a specific date is applied successfully.


Method 4 – Using a Simple Method for Highlight

In this case, we’ll employ a straightforward method to apply conditional formatting for dates older than a certain date. Follow these steps:

Steps:

  • In cell D5, enter your desired date (e.g., August 29, 2022).

Input Desired Date to Format the Older Dates with Respect to it

  • Change the number format of that cell from Date to General to obtain the date value from the Number group.

Changing the Number Format to Formatting the Older Dates

  • You’ll receive the date value in General format, which is 44802.

Showing Date Value in General Format to Input in Conditional Formatting Rule Box

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • In the Home tab, click on the drop-down arrow of the Conditional Formatting and select New Rules option located in the Styles group.

Opening Conditional Formatting Dialog Box to Format Dates

  • A small dialog box named New Formatting Rule will appear.
  • Select the option called Format only cells that contain.
  • Set the features according to your preference.
  • In the first field, set the Cell Value.
  • In the second field, set the option titled less than.
  • In the last field, enter the date value.

=44802

  • Click the Format option.

Setting Features According to Our Desire to Format Older Date Cells

  • Another dialog box named Format Cells will appear.
  • Set the cell formatting according to your preferences. For instance, choose the Orange, Accent 2, Lighter 40% color from the Fill tab.
  • Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

  • Click the OK again to close the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

  • You’ll observe that dates older than August 29, 2022, are highlighted.

Using Simple Method to Highlight to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates Older Than A Certain Date

We can conclude that our method works effectively, and conditional formatting for dates older than a certain date is successfully applied.


Method 5 – Customizing New Rules with Defined Cell Reference

In this approach, we’ll customize the New Rules option to apply conditional formatting for dates older than a certain date using a defined cell reference. Follow these steps:

Steps:

  • In cell E5, enter your desired date (e.g., August 29, 2022).

Inputting Desired Date

  • Select the range of cells C5:C14.
  • In the Home tab, click on the drop-down arrow of the Conditional Formatting and select New Rules in the Styles group.

Launch New Rules for Conditional Formatting Dialog Box to Format Older Dates

  • A small dialog box named New Formatting Rule will appear.
  • Select the Use a formula to determine which cells to format option.
  • In the empty box below the text, Formula values where this formula is true, enter the following formula:

=C5<$E$5

  • Click the Format option.

Defining Customize Rule in the Dialog Box to Format Older Dates with Respect to a Certain Date

  • Another dialog box named Format Cells will appear.
  • Set the cell formatting according to your preferences. For example, choose the Orange, Accent 2, Lighter 40% color from the Fill tab.
  • Click OK to close the Format Cells dialog box.

  • Click OK again to close the New Formatting Rule dialog box.

  • You’ll notice that dates older than August 29, 2022, are highlighted.

Customizing New Rules with Defined Cell Reference to Apply Conditional Formatting for Dates Older Than A Certain Date

Our approach works perfectly, and we can apply conditional formatting for dates older than a certain date using this method.


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Soumik Dutta
Soumik Dutta

Soumik Dutta, having earned a BSc in Naval Architecture & Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, plays a key role as an Excel & VBA Content Developer at ExcelDemy. Driven by a profound passion for research and innovation, he actively immerses himself in Excel. In his role, Soumik not only skillfully addresses complex challenges but also demonstrates enthusiasm and expertise in gracefully navigating tough situations, underscoring his unwavering commitment to consistently deliver exceptional, high-quality content that... Read Full Bio

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