Retrieving the Current Date in Excel

This article compiles common methods for obtaining the current date in Excel.

Method 1: Using the TODAY() Function

Step 1: In the cell where you want to get the current date, enter the formula =TODAY().

Step 2: Press Enter to obtain the result:

Step 3: Copy the formula for the remaining cells to receive the results:

Method 2: Using the Ctrl + ; Shortcut

Step 1: Place the cursor in the cell where you want to enter the current date value.

Step 2: Press the Ctrl + ; shortcut -> the current date value appears.

Step 3: Perform the same action for the remaining cells to get the results:

Method 3: Use the VBA Command.

Step 1: Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA window. Enter the command as shown in the illustration:

Step 2: Save the VBA file you just created and exit VBA. During the saving process, if prompted, simply click OK. Continue by pressing the Alt + F11 shortcut to open the VBA window and enter the following code:

Note: Execute from cell A3 to A21 in this worksheet.

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)

  Dim C11 As Range

  If Intersect(Target, [A2:A21]) Is Nothing Then Exit Sub

  For Each C11 In Intersect(Target, [A2: A21])

  If IsEmpty(C11) Then

  C11.Offset(, 1).ClearContents

  Else

  C11.Offset(, 1) = Date

  End If

  Next

  End Sub


 Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)

  Dim Cll As Range

  If Intersect(Target, [A2:A6000]) Is Nothing Then Exit Sub

  For Each Cll In Intersect(Target, [A2:A6000])

  If IsEmpty(Cll) Then

  Cll.Offset(, 1).ClearContents

  Else

  Cll.Offset(, 1) = Date

  End If

  Next

  End Sub

Step 3: Finally, exit VBA and return to the Excel file where you want to create an automatic date. Here, when you enter data in column A, the current date is automatically entered into the corresponding cell in column B. This way, whenever you input data for any item, the entry date is automatically filled in the Date Entered column.

Note: You can modify the data entry range by changing the command in the Change event of the Worksheet.

Here are some basic ways to input the current date in Excel. Depending on your task, choose the most suitable approach for you.

Wishing you success!