TODAY Function in Excel: Beginner’s Guide with Practical Examples

Excel Date Functions

What is the TODAY Function?

The TODAY function in Excel is a simple yet powerful tool that returns the current date based on your system’s date settings. It is particularly useful for creating dynamic spreadsheets that require up-to-date information, such as project timelines, deadlines, and age calculations.

Formula Syntax

The syntax for the TODAY function is straightforward:

=TODAY()
  • No arguments: The TODAY function does not take any arguments. You simply enter the function, and it will return today’s date.

Return Value

The TODAY function returns the current date as a serial number, which Excel recognizes as a date format. When formatted properly, it displays in a standard date format, such as “MM/DD/YYYY” or “DD/MM/YYYY,” depending on your regional settings.

Practical Examples

Let’s explore some practical examples to illustrate how the TODAY function works in different scenarios.

Example 1: Basic Usage of TODAY

To simply display today’s date in a cell, you can enter the following formula:

=TODAY()

Explanation:

  • This formula will return the current date. If today is September 6, 2024, the cell will display 09/06/2024 (or in the format set by your Excel settings).

Example 2: Calculating the Age

The TODAY function is frequently used to calculate age based on a birth date. For instance, if you have a birth date in cell A1 (e.g., 01/15/1990), you can calculate the age using:

=YEAR(TODAY()) - YEAR(A1)

Explanation:

  • This formula subtracts the year of the birth date from the current year to determine the age. However, it doesn’t account for whether the birthday has occurred this year, which can be adjusted in the next example.

Example 3: Adjusting for Birthdays

To get a more accurate age calculation that considers whether the birthday has passed this year, you can use:

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

Explanation:

  • This formula uses the DATEDIF function, with the start date as the value in A1 and the end date as today’s date. The “Y” argument specifies that the result should be in years. This will give the exact age.

Example 4: Conditional Formatting Based on the Date

You can use the TODAY function for conditional formatting, such as highlighting overdue tasks. Suppose you have due dates in column B. To highlight any dates that are earlier than today, follow these steps:

  1. Select the range of due dates (e.g., B1).
  2. Go to Home > Conditional Formatting > New Rule.
  3. Choose Use a formula to determine which cells to format.
  4. Enter the formula: =B1 < TODAY()
  5. Set the formatting style (e.g., red fill).
  6. Click OK.

Explanation:

  • This setup will highlight all the cells in the selected range that contain dates earlier than today, helping you quickly identify overdue tasks.

Example 5: Calculating Days Until a Specific Date

You can also use the TODAY function to find out how many days are left until a specific event. For example, if you have an event date in cell C1, you can use:

=C1 - TODAY()

Explanation:

  • This formula will return the number of days remaining until the date in C1. If C1 is set to 12/31/2024, and today is 09/06/2024, the result will be 116 days.

Common Pitfalls and Best Practices

While the TODAY function is easy to use, beginners may encounter some common issues. Here are some pitfalls and best practices to consider:

Common Pitfalls

  1. Static Dates: Remember that the TODAY function updates automatically each time the worksheet recalculates. If you need a static date, copy the cell and use Paste Special > Values to prevent it from changing.
  2. Regional Date Formats: Be aware of how Excel formats dates based on your system settings, which can lead to confusion when sharing files with users in different regions.
  3. Time Component: The TODAY function does not include a time component; it only returns the date. If you need the current time as well, consider using the NOW function.

Best Practices

  • Use TODAY for Dynamic Calculations: Leverage the TODAY function in formulas that require dynamic date calculations, such as project timelines, deadlines, and schedules.
  • Combine with Other Date Functions: Use TODAY in conjunction with other functions like DATEDIF, YEARFRAC, or EDATE for more complex date calculations.
  • Check Formatting: Ensure that the cell format is set to “Date” to display the date correctly.

Key Points to Remember

  • The TODAY function returns the current date without any arguments.
  • It is particularly useful for dynamic date calculations and age assessments.
  • Be aware of automatic updates and regional settings when using the TODAY function.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will the TODAY function always return the current date?

A1: Yes, the TODAY function updates automatically to reflect the current date each time the worksheet recalculates.

Q2: How can I stop the TODAY function from updating?

A2: To prevent the TODAY function from updating, copy the cell with the formula and use Paste Special > Values to paste the static date.

Q3: Can I use TODAY in combination with other functions?

A3: Yes, the TODAY function can be combined with other date functions like DATEDIF, YEAR, and EDATE for various date-related calculations.

Q4: How does TODAY differ from NOW?

A4: The TODAY function returns only the current date, while the NOW function returns both the current date and time.

By mastering the TODAY function in Excel, you can enhance your ability to create dynamic spreadsheets that reflect current-date information. This function is invaluable for project management, scheduling, and any task that requires ongoing date calculations. Whether tracking deadlines, calculating ages, or managing timelines, the TODAY function is an essential tool in your Excel toolkit.

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