How can I make Excel push something like "10.07.26" to the right side of a cell

If 10.07.26 stays left-aligned, Excel is treating it as text, not a real date. Real dates are recognized as date values and can then be formatted and used in calculations.

To make Excel recognize and right-align dates:

1. Enter dates using a format Excel recognizes for the current Windows regional date settings, such as:
   • 9/5/2002
   • 5-Sep-2002
2. If the date is already in cells as text, convert it:
   • Select the column.
   • Go to Data > Text to Columns.
   • Select Next twice.
   • In step 3, under Column data format, select Date.
   • Choose the matching date format and select Finish.
3. After Excel recognizes the value as a true date, apply the display format wanted:
   • Select the cells.
   • Press Ctrl+1.
   • On the Number tab, select Custom.
   • In Type, enter a date format such as dd.mm.yy if that matches the required display.

For new workbooks, Excel’s default date recognition depends on the computer’s Regional and Language Options date settings. Dates entered in a format that does not match that system may be treated as text instead of dates. To have this work by default in new workbooks, use a date entry pattern that matches the Windows regional date system, or change the computer’s date settings so that the typed pattern matches the system date format.

If cells show ##### after formatting, widen the column.

References:

• Enter data manually in worksheet cells | Microsoft Support
• VALUE is Excel's way of saying, "There's something wrong with the way your formula is typed. Or, there's something wrong with the cells you are referencing." The error is very general, and it can be hard to find the exact cause of it. The information on this page shows common problems and solutions for the error.