The Excel TODAY Function returns the current date in a cell. It’s a simple yet useful function that automatically updates to the current date every time you open the worksheet.
Syntax
TODAY()
Arguments
| No Arguments |
The TODAY function doesn’t require any arguments. It simply returns the current date.
How to Use
Using the TODAY function is straightforward. Just type “=TODAY()” in a cell, and it will display the current date. Here are a few examples of how you can use it:
Example 1: Basic Usage
Let’s say you want to keep track of when you last updated a document. You can put the formula “=TODAY()” in a cell, and it will always show the current date. Whenever you open the document, it will automatically update to the new date.
Example 2: Calculating Age
If you have a list of birthdates, you can use the TODAY function to calculate the age of people. Let’s assume the birthdate is in cell A1. In another cell, you can use the formula “=TODAY()-A1” to calculate the age.
Example 3: Conditional Formatting
You can use the TODAY function with conditional formatting. For instance, you can set up a rule to highlight dates in a column if they are equal to or later than today. This can help you quickly spot upcoming events or deadlines.
Additional Information
The TODAY function is straightforward and doesn’t have optional arguments. It’s important to note that the function updates automatically when you open the spreadsheet, so it always displays the current date. This feature can be handy for various tasks where you need to keep track of dates and times.