How to Add a Calendar Date Picker to an Excel Spreadsheet

1. Download the free 'Calendar' tool available at isamrad.com/ExcelCal/default.htm. This plugin is a standard Excel add-in program. It is offered as a compressed ZIP file which must be unzipped after download. Once the XLA file is placed into the Excel 'XLSTART' directory in the 'Program Files' folder of Windows, Excel will show a date picker icon next to cells that are already formatted as dates. Additionally, the date picker can be launched by right-clicking on any cell and choosing the 'Pick from Calendar' option. The applet also installs a toolbar button for the feature.
2. Activate a free 30-day trial of the Pop-up Excel Calendar created by Office Kit. This program offers a robust calendar interface that includes quick jumps to any month or year as well as shortcut buttons. Additionally, the program installs a unique calendar toolbar which features a quick launch for the Pop-up Excel Calendar as well as other features, including a settings button. The applet works on all major versions of Excel. If you are pleased with the demo, Pop-up Excel Calendar costs $20 as of February 2010.
3. Download the WinCalendar utility. The software comes in multiple versions, including a free option. The program is a robust date picker that displays multiple calendars simultaneously for quick selection of any date within a three-month period. Additionally it highlights holidays and offers user customization of new holiday entries. The calendar can be re-sized to suit the user's preference. It also functions in other Microsoft Office programs, or as a standalone program. The free version is functional but excludes emphasis of some holidays and limits the size of the pop-up interface. The free version also limits the number of entries that may be made.