How to Format Dates in Descending Order in Microsoft Excel

1. Confirm that the dates exist in a single column, running vertically. Excel can only sort data in the columns, not the horizontal rows, of a spreadsheet.
2. Highlight the data you want to sort.
3. Right click any highlighted cell and select 'Format Cells.'
4. Select 'Date' from the 'Category' column, choose your preferred format from the adjacent 'Type' column, and then click 'OK.'
5. Click 'Data' in the top menu bar and select 'Sort.' If you use Excel 2007 or later, select the 'Data' tab near the top of the window and click the 'Sort' icon instead.
6. Click the drop-down menu below the 'Order' heading and select 'Oldest to Newest.'
7. Click 'OK' to sort your dates in descending order.