Excel Formula for Today’s Date: How to Use the TODAY() Function?

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When working with Excel, one of the most common requirements is to insert today’s date into a worksheet. Excel offers simple formulas to achieve this, allowing users to automate data entry tasks and ensure their worksheets are always up-to-date. The most straightforward way to insert today’s date in Excel is by using the =TODAY() formula. This function will automatically update to the current date whenever the worksheet is opened or recalculated.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about using the =TODAY() formula in Excel, including how to customize it for different needs, compare it with similar functions, and apply it to practical examples.

Understanding the TODAY() Function

The =TODAY() function is a built-in Excel formula that returns the current date. This function does not require any arguments, making it extremely easy to use. Here’s the syntax:

=TODAY()

This formula will display today’s date in the format set by your computer’s regional settings. The date will update automatically each day when you open the spreadsheet, which is ideal for reports, logs, and documents that need to reflect the current date.

How to Insert Today’s Date in Excel

To insert today’s date using the =TODAY() formula, follow these simple steps:

1. Select the cell where you want the date to appear.
2. Type =TODAY() into the cell.
3. Press Enter. The current date will appear in the selected cell.

This formula is dynamic, meaning that if you open the workbook tomorrow, the date will update automatically to reflect the new day.

Using TODAY() with Other Excel Functions

The =TODAY() function can be combined with other Excel functions to perform more complex tasks. Here are some practical examples:

Adding Days to Today’s Date

If you need a date that is a certain number of days from today, you can add a number directly to the =TODAY() function.

Example: To get the date seven days from today, use:

=TODAY() + 7

This formula will return the date that is exactly seven days after today.

Subtracting Days from Today’s Date

Similarly, to get a date that is a certain number of days before today, subtract the number of days from =TODAY().

Example: To get the date five days before today, use:

=TODAY() - 5

This will return the date that was five days before the current date.

Formatting the Date Returned by TODAY()

The =TODAY() function returns the date in your system’s default date format. However, you can easily change the format to suit your needs. Here’s how:

1. Select the cell containing the date.
2. Right-click and choose Format Cells.
3. In the Number tab, select Date.
4. Choose the date format you prefer and click OK.

Now, the date will appear in the format you selected, such as “MM/DD/YYYY” or “DD/MM/YYYY”.

Using TODAY() in Conditional Formatting

Conditional formatting can be used in conjunction with the =TODAY() function to highlight cells that contain today’s date or dates relative to today.

Example: To highlight cells with today’s date:

1. Select the range of cells you want to format.
2. Go to the Home tab and click on Conditional Formatting.
3. Select New Rule.
4. Choose Use a formula to determine which cells to format.
5. Enter the formula =A1=TODAY(), where A1 is the first cell in your range.
6. Click Format to choose the formatting style and then click OK.

Common Applications of the TODAY() Function

The =TODAY() function is incredibly versatile and can be used in various practical scenarios. Below are some common applications:

Creating a Dynamic Date Report

In business environments, it’s common to generate reports that automatically update with the current date. By using the =TODAY() function, your reports can always display the current date without needing to be manually updated.

Example: Use the formula ="Report Date: " & TODAY() to create a header that shows the current date.

Tracking Due Dates

You can use the =TODAY() function to track due dates for tasks, projects, or payments. By comparing the due date with today’s date, Excel can automatically highlight overdue items.

Example: Use the formula =IF(DueDate<TODAY(),"Overdue","On Time") to determine if a task is overdue.

TODAY() vs. NOW(): Understanding the Difference

While the =TODAY() function returns the current date, Excel also has a =NOW() function that returns both the current date and time. The syntax for =NOW() is:

=NOW()

Comparison:

The =NOW() function is useful when you need both the current date and time, such as in time-sensitive documents or logs.

Using TODAY() for Date Calculations in Excel

The =TODAY() function is not just for displaying the current date; it’s also valuable for performing various date calculations. Here are a few examples:

Calculate Age

You can use the =TODAY() function to calculate a person’s age based on their birthdate.

Example: If a person’s birthdate is in cell A1, use the formula:

=DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "Y")

This formula calculates the number of years between the birthdate and today’s date.

Calculate Days Until an Event

To calculate the number of days until an upcoming event, subtract today’s date from the event date.

Example: If the event date is in cell B1, use the formula:

=B1 - TODAY()

This formula returns the number of days remaining until the event.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with TODAY()

Although the =TODAY() function is straightforward, users may encounter some common issues:

TODAY() Not Updating

If the =TODAY() function is not updating as expected, it may be due to the worksheet not recalculating. To fix this:

• Go to the Formulas tab.
• Click Calculate Now to force a recalculation.

Incorrect Date Format

If the date returned by =TODAY() doesn’t appear in the desired format, you can change the format by adjusting the cell’s format settings, as mentioned earlier.

Practical Examples of Using TODAY() in Business

The =TODAY() function is highly useful in various business applications. Here are a few practical examples:

Employee Attendance Tracking

Use the =TODAY() function to mark attendance for employees daily. This can automate the attendance tracking process.

Example: Use =IF(A2=TODAY(),"Present","Absent") where A2 contains the date of attendance.

Financial Modeling

In financial models, the =TODAY() function can be used to ensure that projections are based on the most current data.

Example: Use =IF(TODAY()>EndDate,"Expired","Active") to check the status of financial contracts.

Tips for Using the TODAY() Function Effectively

• Combine with IF statements: Use the =TODAY() function with IF statements to create dynamic reports that change based on the current date.
• Leverage Conditional Formatting: Use conditional formatting to highlight cells that match today’s date, making it easier to track important deadlines.
• Use with other date functions: Combine =TODAY() with other date functions like EDATE, EOMONTH, and DATEDIF to perform more complex calculations.

Final Thoughts

The =TODAY() function in Excel is a powerful tool that makes working with dates straightforward and efficient. Whether you need to insert today’s date into a worksheet, perform date calculations, or automate data entry, =TODAY() offers a simple solution that can save time and reduce errors.

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Vaishvi Desai

Vaishvi Desai is the founder of Excelsamurai and a passionate Excel enthusiast with years of experience in data analysis and spreadsheet management. With a mission to help others harness the power of Excel, Vaishvi shares her expertise through concise, easy-to-follow tutorials on shortcuts, formulas, Pivot Tables, and VBA.