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Excel TODAY Function
When to Use the Excel TODAY Function in Excel
Excel TODAY function is used whenever you need to automatically input the current date into a cell. Here are some common scenarios where you might find it beneficial:
Date Stamping: If you want to timestamp entries in a log or record, the TODAY function can ensure that the date is always current.
Due Dates: When managing tasks or projects, you can use the TODAY function to calculate due dates or deadlines based on the current date.
Age Calculation: If you need to calculate someone’s age, you can subtract their birthdate from the current date, which is easily obtained with the TODAY function.
Conditional Formatting: You can use the TODAY function in combination with conditional formatting to highlight or format cells based on whether a date is past, today, or in the future.
What Excel TODAY Function Returns
The Excel TODAY function is quite straightforward; it returns the current date as a serial number. This serial number represents the number of days since January 1, 1900 (for Windows) or January 1, 1904 (for Mac). Excel then formats this serial number as a date.
Syntax of Excel TODAY Function
The syntax of the Excel TODAY function is remarkably simple:
=TODAY()
Note: There are no input arguments required; you simply enter TODAY() into a cell, and it will return the current date.
Extra Notes
● The TODAY function updates automatically whenever you open the Excel file or when the workbook is recalculated.
● The TODAY function does not return the current time; it only provides the current date. If you need both date and time, you can use the NOW function.
● You can change the format of the date returned by the TODAY function by formatting the cell containing the function. Right-click the cell, choose Format Cells and select the desired date format from the Number tab.
Examples of the Excel TODAY Function
Here are a few examples of how to use the TODAY function:
Example 1: Basic Usage
To insert the current date into cell A1, you can simply enter =TODAY() into that cell. Excel will automatically update this date every day.
Example 2: Add or Subtract a Fixed Number of Days
These formulas are useful for various date-related calculations in Excel, such as calculating future or past dates based on the current date.
Example 3: Countdown to a Vacation
This formula calculates the number of days remaining until your vacation.
It subtracts TODAY’s date from the vacation date.
Example 4: Expiry Alert
This formula is used to check whether a product has expired or not based on its expiry date
Now, let’s break down the logic:
Condition: If the date in cell B6 (the expiry date) is less than (earlier than) the current date, it means the product has expired. Excel checks whether the expiry date has already passed compared to today’s date.
Result for True: If the condition is true (meaning the product has expired), the formula displays Expired.
Result for False: If the condition is false (meaning the product has not yet expired), the formula displays Not Expired.
So, if the date in cell B6 is indeed earlier than today’s date, it will show Expired to indicate that the product has expired. If the date is equal to or later than today’s date, it will show Not Expired to indicate that the product is still valid.
Conclusion
In summary, the Excel TODAY function is a valuable tool for working with dates in Excel. Its ability to provide the current date allows you to automate tasks, keep records up to date, and perform dynamic calculations.
Whether you are managing schedules, tracking tasks, or simply need to insert the current date, the TODAY function is a handy feature to have in your Excel toolkit.
As with any Excel function, practice is key to mastering its use. Experiment with the TODAY function in different scenarios to discover how it can streamline your work and enhance your Excel skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can the TODAY function also return the current time?
A1: No, the TODAY function returns only the current date. If you need both date and time, you can use the NOW function.
Q2: Does the TODAY function update automatically?
A2: Yes, the TODAY function updates automatically whenever you open the Excel file or when the workbook is recalculated.
Q3: Can I change the format of the date returned by the TODAY function?
A3: Yes, you can format the cell containing the TODAY function to display the date in various date formats. Right-click the cell, choose Format Cells, and select the desired date format from the Number tab.
Other Related Excel Functions
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