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In Excel, data about dates can be entered manually or by using built-in formula functions. So, what is the function in Excel to retrieve the current date? How to use it? All your questions will be answered in this article.
What does the TODAY function in Excel return? How to use the TODAY function in Excel?
1. What is the TODAY function? What does it return?
The TODAY function helps you get the current date in Excel. It's one of the important functions that you'll often need to use. Besides its main function, the TODAY function is also used in combination with other functions for calculations.
When using the TODAY function in an Excel spreadsheet, you need to pay attention to the following issues:
- TODAY() is a function that changes easily. Every time the spreadsheet is opened, the data in the cell using the TODAY function will automatically update.
- To enter today's date in Excel as a static, unchangeable value, use the shortcut: Ctrl + ;
- For quickly inserting the current date and time into a cell, you should use the NOW function instead of TODAY.
2. The formula for the TODAY function in Excel
There are two ways to enter today's date in Excel, including using a formula and using a shortcut. Which method to use depends on whether you want a static or dynamic value.
+ The syntax of the Today function returns a dynamic result: =TODAY()
+ The shortcut for the TODAY function returns a static result: Ctrl + ;
Example: To display the current date without having to type it explicitly, you can simply type: =TODAY() and then press Enter. It will display the current date on the spreadsheet for you.
Note: If the TODAY function does not update the date as expected, you just need to go to File -> Options ->Formulas under Calculation Options select Automatic.
3. Examples illustrating the use of the TODAY function
To illustrate the applications of the TODAY function, consider the following spreadsheet:
- First, to get the current date, you simply enter the syntax =TODAY(). The result will display today's date:
- To find today's date, you combine the DAY function with the TODAY function as follows: =DAY(TODAY()). The result will give you the current day:
- To know which month this is, you just need to replace the DAY function with the MONTH function, we also have the syntax as follows: =MONTH(TODAY()). And you will get the result returned as the current month.
- Next, if you want to know what date it will be 10 days from now. You use the TODAY function with the syntax: =TODAY()+10. The result will show:
- To find out how many years from 2000 to the current year. You combine the YEAR function with the TODAY function as follows: =YEAR(TODAY())-2000
So now you know which function in Excel retrieves the current date, right? Above are some examples of using the TODAY function in Excel with many specific cases. Additionally, you may be interested in how to add or subtract dates in Excel as this is also an important skill for Excel spreadsheet users to grasp.
The IF function in Excel is also one of the most commonly used functions, especially when using the IF function in Excel will help you perform calculations accurately and efficiently.
