Summary

If you need to display the current date in a worksheet, you can use the TODAY function. This date will update whenever the worksheet is recalculated or opened.

Generic formula

=TODAY()

Explanation

The TODAY function takes no arguments; it is entered with empty parentheses. When you enter the TODAY function in a cell, it will display the current date. Each time the worksheet is recalculated or opened, the date will be updated. The TODAY function only inserts the date, time is not included.

If you need to insert the current date in a way that will not change, use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + ;

This shortcut will insert the current date in a cell as a value that will not automatically change.

If you need to display the current date and time, use the NOW function.

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Dave Bruns

Hi - I'm Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.