TODAY Function
Master the TODAY function to insert dynamic current dates that update automatically. Learn practical examples and avoid common errors.
Excel
Google SheetsExcelGoogle Sheets=TODAY()Quick Answer
TODAY function TODAY function is a date-time function in Excel and Google Sheets that returns the current date and automatically updates each day. It requires no arguments and uses the syntax `=TODAY()`. This dynamic function is commonly used for calculating ages, tracking deadlines, monitoring project timelines, and creating date-based conditional formatting. Unlike static dates, TODAY refreshes whenever the spreadsheet recalculates, making it perfect for real-time date tracking.
=TODAY()Practical Examples
Calculate Current Age
Determine someone's age in years from their birthdate
Track Project Deadline Status
Show days remaining until project deadline
Automatic Invoice Aging
Calculate how many days an invoice has been outstanding
Employee Anniversary Tracker
Calculate years of service for employees
Conditional Formatting for Due Dates
Highlight cells based on proximity to today's date
Quarterly Progress Tracker
Calculate percentage of current quarter completed
Common Errors and Solutions
Excel doesn't recognize the function
Misspelled function name or missing parentheses
1. Check spelling: must be =TODAY() not =TOODAY() or =Today 2. Ensure parentheses are included even though empty: =TODAY() not =TODAY 3. Verify your Excel version supports the function (all modern versions do) 4. Check language settings if using non-English Excel
Always include the parentheses and use Excel's autocomplete feature
Example:
Date doesn't update automatically
Manual calculation mode is enabled or formula was converted to value
1. Check calculation options: File > Options > Formulas > Calculation Options 2. Set to 'Automatic' instead of 'Manual' 3. Press F9 to force recalculation 4. Verify the cell contains =TODAY() formula, not a static date value
Keep automatic calculation enabled and avoid converting formulas to values unintentionally
Example:
Shows number like 45678 instead of date
Cell formatting is set to General or Number instead of Date
1. Select the cell with the number 2. Right-click and choose 'Format Cells' 3. Select 'Date' category 4. Choose your preferred date format 5. Click OK to apply
Pre-format cells as Date before entering TODAY formula
Example:
Date appears incorrect by one day
System time zone settings or cloud sync timing differences
1. Verify system date and time settings 2. Check time zone configuration 3. For Google Sheets: File > Settings > Time zone 4. For Excel 365: Account for cloud sync delays 5. Use NOW() and extract date if precision needed
Ensure consistent time zone settings across all devices and platforms
Best Practices and Advanced Tips
Combine with IF for Smart Deadlines
Use =IF(A2-TODAY()<0, "Overdue", A2-TODAY() & " days left") to create intelligent deadline trackers that show overdue status or remaining time.
Avoid in Historical Records
Never use TODAY() in historical documents or records that need to preserve original dates. Use Ctrl+; (Windows) or Cmd+; (Mac) to insert static current date instead.
Performance Optimization
In large spreadsheets with thousands of TODAY() formulas, consider using a single cell with TODAY() and reference that cell elsewhere to reduce calculation overhead.
Date Arithmetic Best Practices
Always use date functions for calculations: =TODAY() + 30 for 30 days from now, or =WORKDAY(TODAY(), 10) for 10 business days ahead.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Insert static current date with Ctrl+; (Windows) or Cmd+; (Mac). Insert current time with Ctrl+Shift+; or Cmd+Shift+;. These won't update like TODAY().
Fiscal Year Calculations
For fiscal years starting July 1st, use: =IF(MONTH(TODAY())>=7, YEAR(TODAY())+1, YEAR(TODAY())) to get current fiscal year.
Printing Considerations
TODAY() updates when printing, which may cause confusion in printed reports. Consider converting to values (Copy > Paste Special > Values) before printing date-sensitive documents.
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Example Excel formula:
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