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EXCEL SOLUTIONS

TODAY function in Excel

Returns today’s date. It updates every time the workbook is opened.

BeginnerDates

Syntax

=TODAY()
Arguments of TODAY
ArgumentWhat it means
(none)TODAY takes no arguments. Keep the empty brackets.

Examples with results

Every result below is calculated by the practice engine on the sample data shown, not typed in by hand.

Examples that need no data

  • =TODAY()today’s date makes this change every day

    Today’s date from your device clock

Try it yourself

Change the formula or switch to other sample data.

Press Calculate to see the result.

The practice box runs in your browser with BDK’s own calculator, which covers about 60 common functions. Cell references work as in Excel (B2, B2:B9). Your formulas are not saved or sent anywhere. For anything unusual, check the result in Excel itself.

How people use TODAY at work

  • Finance and accounting

    Days since an invoice was issued.

    =TODAY()-D2today’s date makes this change every day
    Data: Customer invoices (fictional)
  • HR

    Years of service up to today.

    =DATEDIF(D2,TODAY(),"Y")today’s date makes this change every day
    Data: Team list (fictional)

Common mistakes and tips

  • TODAY recalculates, so a report made with it will change tomorrow. Type the date if you need a fixed report date.

Works in

All versions of Excel, and Google Sheets.

Related formulas

DATEDATEDIFNETWORKDAYS

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