Excel TODAY Function
Summary
The Excel TODAY function returns the current date, updated continuously when a worksheet is changed or opened. The TODAY function takes no arguments. You can format the value returned by TODAY using any standard date format. If you need current date and time, use the NOW function.
Purpose
Get the current date
Return value
Valid Excel date
Syntax
=TODAY ()
Arguments
Usage notes
The TODAY function takes no arguments, and returns the current date, updated whenever a worksheet is changed or opened. You can also use F9 to force the worksheet to recalculate and update the value.
- If you need a static date that won't change, you can enter the current date using the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + ;
- If you need current date and time, use the NOW function.
Examples
Formatting results
The result of TODAY is a serial number representing a valid Excel date. You can format the value returned by TODAY using any standard date format, or use the TEXT function to build a text message that includes the current date.
TODAY formula examples
To create a dynamic date list, you can use a formula that increments a start date to create and display additional dates. In the example shown, the formula in B5 is:
=start+ROWS($B$5:B5)-1-offset
where "start" is the...
To check if a date is within the last n days of today's date, you can use a formula based on the TODAY and AND functions. In the example shown, we are checking for dates in the last 7 days. The formula in D5, copied...
You can set up dynamic calendar grid on an Excel worksheet with a series of formulas, as explained in this article. In the example shown, the formula in B6 is:
=start-CHOOSE(WEEKDAY(start),0,1,2,3,4,5,6)
where "start...
To highlight dates that are "past due" you can use a conditional formatting and a basic formula to check whether each date is less than today. In the example shown, conditional formatting has been applied to the range...
To calculate the number of workdays remaining in a month, you can use the NETWORKDAYS function. NETWORKDAYS automatically excludes weekends, and it can optionally exclude a custom list of holidays as well. In the...
To check if a date is within the last n months of today's date, you can use a formula based on the AND, TODAY, and EOMONTH functions. In the example shown, we are checking for dates in the last 6 months. The formula...
If you want to highlight dates that occur in the next N days with conditional formatting, you can do so with a formula that uses the TODAY function with AND. This is a great way to visually flag things like expiration...
To determine invoice status (i.e. paid, open, overdue), you can use a nested IF formula and the TODAY function.
In the example shown, the formula in G5 is:
=IF(F5=0,"Paid",IF(TODAY()<C5,"Open...
Note: Excel has several built-in data validation rules for dates. This page explains how to create a your own validation rule based on a custom formula if you need more control or flexibility.
To allow a user to enter...
To calculate the days remaining from one date to another, you can use a simple formula that subtracts the earlier date from the later date.
In the example shown, the formula in D5 is:
=C5-B5
How this formula works...
To sum sales in the last 30 days by an id (like name, initials, region, etc.) you can use the SUMIFS function together with the TODAY function. In the example shown, the formula in G5, copied down, is:
=SUMIFS($D$5:$D...
To calculate a person's age from their birth date, you can use the YEARFRAC, INT, and TODAY functions. In the generic version of the formula above, birthdate is the person's birthday with year, and TODAY supplies the...
To calculate the number of working days in a year, you can use the NETWORKDAYS function. NETWORKDAYS automatically excludes weekends and holidays if they are provided. In the example shown, the formula in E5 is:
=...
Note: Excel has several built-in data validation rules for dates. This page explains how to create a your own validation rule based on a custom formula in case you want or need more control and flexibility.
To allow a...
To add a date stamp in a workbook to indicate a "date last updated", you can use the TEXT function. In the example shown, the formula in C5 is:
="Last update: "& TEXT(B5, "ddd, mmmm d, yyyy")...
Related videos
Most Excel functions require arguments. In this video, we explain how function arguments and how to use them.
In this brief video, we look at how to debug a formula using the F9 key. If you work with formulas a lot, this is one of the most useful skills you can learn.
In this video, we look at how to use a feature called Evaluate Formula to solve complex formulas one step at a time.
How to generate an expiration date in the future, how to calculate "days remaining", and how to highlight dates that are expired or expiring soon with conditional formatting.
You may often want to enter the current date and time into a worksheet. In this video, we look at several ways to handle current dates and times.
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