Date Format Converter

Use the date format converter to convert any date into common US, UK, European and ISO formats.

Choose a date below to instantly see it written in multiple numerical and written formats.

Convert a date to different formats

Dates are written differently around the world.

The converter can display the same date as:

  • MM/DD/YYYY
  • DD/MM/YYYY
  • YYYY-MM-DD
  • MM-DD-YYYY
  • DD-MM-YYYY
  • YYYYMMDD
  • MM/DD/YY
  • DD/MM/YY
  • Written US date
  • Written UK date

US date format

The standard numerical date format commonly used in the United States is:

MM/DD/YYYY

The month appears first, followed by the day and year.

For example:

08/30/2026

means August 30, 2026.

UK and European date format

The common format in the United Kingdom and many other countries is:

DD/MM/YYYY

The day appears first, followed by the month and year.

For example:

30/08/2026

means 30 August 2026.

ISO date format

The ISO format places the year first:

YYYY-MM-DD

For example:

2026-08-30

This format is widely used in databases, filenames, computer systems and international communication because it is clear and sorts naturally in chronological order.

The format is defined by the ISO 8601 date and time standard.

Why can numerical dates be confusing?

A date such as:

03/10/2026

can mean different things depending on the date format.

In MM/DD/YYYY format, it means:

March 10, 2026

In DD/MM/YYYY format, it means:

October 3, 2026

When the audience may use different date conventions, the ISO format or a written month can help avoid confusion.

Date formats with hyphens

Dates can also use hyphens instead of slashes.

Examples include:

  • MM-DD-YYYY
  • DD-MM-YYYY
  • YYYY-MM-DD

Changing the separator normally changes only how the date looks, not the order of the day, month and year.

Date formats without separators

Some computer systems and filenames use compact date formats without slashes or hyphens.

Examples include:

  • MMDDYYYY
  • DDMMYYYY
  • YYYYMMDD

The year-first YYYYMMDD format is especially useful because dates sort correctly when used in filenames.

Short date formats

Dates may also use a two-digit year.

Examples:

  • MM/DD/YY
  • DD/MM/YY

For example:

08/30/26

means August 30, 2026 in US date order.

Four-digit years are generally clearer because they reduce ambiguity.

Written date formats

Dates can also be written using the month name.

American English commonly uses:

August 30, 2026

British English commonly uses:

30 August 2026

Written month names make it easier to understand a date when readers may use different numerical date conventions.

Which date format should I use?

The best format depends on the context.

Use MM/DD/YYYY when writing primarily for a US audience.

Use DD/MM/YYYY when writing for audiences that use day-first dates.

Use YYYY-MM-DD when you need a clear international or technical format.

When there is a risk of confusion, write the month as a word.

Related date tools

You may also find these useful:

Frequently asked questions

What is the US date format?

The common US numerical date format is MM/DD/YYYY.

What is the UK date format?

The common UK numerical format is DD/MM/YYYY.

What is the ISO date format?

The ISO date format is YYYY-MM-DD.

Can I convert a date into several formats?

Yes. Choose a date in the converter above to see it displayed in multiple numerical and written formats.

Which date format is least ambiguous?

YYYY-MM-DD is one of the clearest numerical formats for international and technical use.

Can dates be written without separators?

Yes. Compact formats such as YYYYMMDD are commonly used in filenames and computer systems.