How To Use TODAY function in Excel Explained with Examples

The TODAY function in Excel returns the current date in the system’s date format. It does not take any arguments and can be used in a cell to display the current date or to calculate the number of days between two dates.

The TODAY formula in Excel is a simple function that allows users to easily retrieve the current date in their spreadsheets.

Similar to the NOW function, which returns both the current date and time and the DATE function, which allows users to input specific dates into their spreadsheet.

The TODAY formula is a quick and efficient way to keep track of the current date for use in calculations or data analysis. By using this function in combination with other Excel functions and formulas, users can create dynamic and automated spreadsheets that update based on the current date.

=TODAY()

This function takes no arguments and simply returns the current date in the cell where the function is entered.

The picture above shows that the TODAY formula doesn’t take any criteria. To get the present day you just have to write formula syntax and you’ll get the date.

You can change the date format in the Excel toolbar -> Number -> Date -> and choose which format you like the best.

One of the reasons why users use the TODAY formula is to calculate the difference between two or more days. In our example, you can see that by subtracting today’s date from the past date you get the difference in days. 

The example above shows you that we want to calculate employee seniority in years. In the previous action, we got seniority in days and now we need to convert this number to years. To do this divide the employee seniority in days with 365 and you’ll get years.

1. Open Microsoft Excel and create a new worksheet or open an existing one where you want to use the function.
2. Select the cell where you want to display the current date.
3. Type the following formula in the formula bar: =TODAY()
4. Press Enter on your keyboard to apply the formula to the cell.
5. The current date will appear in the cell.
6. If you want to format the date, select the cell and go to the Home tab on the ribbon. In the Number group, click on the drop-down arrow next to the Number Format box.
7. Choose the desired date format from the list of options.
8. You can also customize the format by selecting the More Number Formats option at the bottom of the list.