5 Ways Today Date Formula

Introduction to Today Date Formula

The Today Date Formula is a crucial element in various applications, including Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and other spreadsheet software. It allows users to insert the current date into a cell, which can be useful for tracking dates, calculating ages, and creating timelines. In this article, we will explore five ways to use the Today Date Formula in different scenarios.

Method 1: Using the TODAY Function

The TODAY function is the most common way to insert the current date in a spreadsheet. To use this function, simply type =TODAY() in a cell, and it will return the current date. This function is volatile, meaning it will update automatically whenever the spreadsheet is opened or recalculated.

Method 2: Using the NOW Function

The NOW function is similar to the TODAY function, but it also returns the current time. To use this function, type =NOW() in a cell, and it will return the current date and time. Like the TODAY function, the NOW function is also volatile and will update automatically.

Method 3: Using the DATE Function

The DATE function allows you to create a custom date using the year, month, and day. To use this function, type =DATE(year, month, day) in a cell, replacing year, month, and day with the desired values. You can use the TODAY function to get the current year, month, and day, and then use the DATE function to create a custom date.

Method 4: Using the EOMONTH Function

The EOMONTH function returns the last day of the month, given a date and a number of months to add. To use this function, type =EOMONTH(start_date, months) in a cell, replacing start_date with the current date and months with the number of months to add. This function can be useful for calculating the last day of the month, quarter, or year.

Method 5: Using the WORKDAY Function

The WORKDAY function returns a date that is a specified number of workdays from a starting date. To use this function, type =WORKDAY(start_date, days, [holidays]) in a cell, replacing start_date with the current date, days with the number of workdays to add, and [holidays] with a list of holiday dates. This function can be useful for calculating deadlines, project timelines, and scheduling.

📝 Note: When using the TODAY, NOW, DATE, EOMONTH, and WORKDAY functions, make sure to format the cell as a date to display the result correctly.

Here is a table summarizing the five methods:

Method	Function	Description
1	=TODAY()	Returns the current date
2	=NOW()	Returns the current date and time
3	=DATE(year, month, day)	Creates a custom date using the year, month, and day
4	=EOMONTH(start_date, months)	Returns the last day of the month, given a date and a number of months to add
5	=WORKDAY(start_date, days, [holidays])	Returns a date that is a specified number of workdays from a starting date

In summary, the Today Date Formula is a powerful tool that can be used in various ways to insert the current date, calculate ages, and create timelines. By using the TODAY, NOW, DATE, EOMONTH, and WORKDAY functions, you can simplify your workflow and make your spreadsheets more efficient.