TODAY Formula In Excel: Syntax, How To Use, Use Cases

Excel is a powerhouse tool for managing and analyzing data, and its built-in functions simplify tasks that would otherwise take considerable effort. One such handy tool is the TODAY function, which dynamically returns the current date. 

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about using the TODAY function, including its syntax, practical use cases, and how to combine it with other functions. 

What is the TODAY Function in Excel?

The TODAY function is one of Excel’s date functions. It retrieves the current system date, updating automatically every time the workbook is opened or recalculated. Unlike manually entering a date, the TODAY formula ensures your data stays accurate and up-to-date.

Syntax of the TODAY Function

The TODAY function is straightforward to use, requiring no arguments. Its syntax is:

• The function does not require parentheses to enclose arguments, as it does not accept any.
• It always returns the current date based on your system's clock, formatted according to the default date format.

How to Use the TODAY Formula in Excel

Step 1: Enter the Formula

1. Click on the cell where you want to display today’s date.
2. Type =TODAY() and press Enter.

Step 2: Format the Date (Optional)

By default, Excel formats the date in the system’s short date format. To customize it:

1. Right-click the cell and select Format Cells.
2. Choose Date and select your preferred format.

Combining the TODAY Formula with Other Functions

1. Adding or Subtracting Days

You can add or subtract days from the current date to calculate future or past dates.

Future Date:

=TODAY()+30

• This formula adds 30 days to today’s date.

Past Date:

=TODAY()-7

• This formula subtracts 7 days from today’s date.

2. Combining with IF Statements

Use the TODAY function with IF to create logical conditions.

• Example: Mark overdue tasks: =IF(A1<TODAY(), "Overdue", "On Time")

3. Using with WEEKDAY

Combine the TODAY formula with the WEEKDAY function to find the current day of the week.

• Example: =TEXT(TODAY(), "dddd")

This returns the full name of the current day (e.g., "Monday").

Practical Use Cases for the TODAY Function

1. Displaying Today’s Date

The simplest use of the TODAY function is to display the current date.

• Enter =TODAY() in any cell to show today’s date.
• Excel will automatically format the cell as a date.

2. Tracking Deadlines or Due Dates

You can use the TODAY function to calculate how many days remain until a deadline or how many days have passed since an event. For example:

Days Until Deadline:

=A1-TODAY()

(where  A1 contains the deadline date).

Days Since an Event:

3. Automating Reports

Use the TODAY function to insert the report date dynamically. This ensures your reports always show the current date without manual updates.

4. Calculating Ages or Tenures

The TODAY formula can help calculate the difference between a specific date (e.g., a birthdate or hire date) and the current date.

Calculate Age:

=DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "y")

(where A1 contains the birthdate)

5. Highlighting Upcoming Events with Conditional Formatting

You can combine the TODAY function with conditional formatting to highlight dates that are approaching. Example: Highlight tasks due in the next 7 days.

Formula:

=AND(A1>=TODAY(), A1<=TODAY()+7)

Limitations of the TODAY Function

1. System Dependency: The TODAY function relies on your computer’s system date. If the system date is incorrect, the function will return inaccurate results.
2. Recalculation Trigger: The TODAY function recalculates every time the workbook is opened or refreshed, which might not be desirable for static reports.
3. Time Exclusion: The TODAY function only returns the date without the time. If you need both date and time, use the NOW function instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the Excel formula for today’s date?

The formula for today’s date is: =TODAY()

Q2. How do I use the TODAY function in Excel?

To use the TODAY function:

1. Click on the desired cell.
2. Type =TODAY() and press Enter.

Q3. How do I put today’s date in Excel automatically?

Use the TODAY formula: =TODAY(). This will always display the current date. Alternatively, press Ctrl +; to insert today’s date as a static value.

Q4. What’s the difference between the TODAY and NOW functions?

• TODAY: Returns the current date without the time.
• NOW: Returns both the current date and time.

Q5. How do I calculate the difference between today’s date and another date?

Use a subtraction formula:

• Days remaining: =A1-TODAY()
• Days elapsed: =TODAY()-A1

Conclusion

The TODAY formula in Excel is a simple yet powerful tool for managing date-based tasks. Whether you’re automating reports, tracking deadlines, or calculating time differences, the TODAY function makes your work more efficient and accurate.

Start experimenting with the TODAY function in your worksheets today, and experience the convenience it brings to your Excel tasks!

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