The TODAY function is used to retrieve and display the current date. It returns the serial number that represents the current date, which is a date-time code utilized by spreadsheet programs like Excel for accurate date and time calculations.
Understanding the TODAY Function
The primary purpose of the TODAY function is to provide the current date dynamically. This means that every time the worksheet is opened or recalculated, the date displayed by the TODAY function will automatically update to the current day.
Key Characteristics:
- Dynamic Update: Unlike typing a date manually, the TODAY function ensures that the displayed date is always current.
- Serial Number Return: It returns the date as a serial number. This numeric representation allows for calculations with dates, such as determining the number of days between two dates. For instance, January 1, 1900, is serial number 1, and subsequent dates are numbered consecutively.
- Automatic Formatting: If the cell where the TODAY function is entered was initially formatted as 'General,' the software automatically changes its format to 'Date' to display the serial number as a recognizable date.
- No Arguments: The TODAY function takes no arguments; it is entered simply as
=TODAY().
Practical Applications of the TODAY Function
The TODAY function is incredibly versatile and can be incorporated into various formulas to manage and analyze date-sensitive data.
- Calculating Age:
- To find someone's current age:
=DATEDIF(Birthdate, TODAY(), "y")
- To find someone's current age:
- Tracking Project Deadlines:
- Determine days remaining until a deadline:
=DeadlineDate - TODAY() - Highlight overdue tasks using conditional formatting based on
TODAY().
- Determine days remaining until a deadline:
- Financial Reporting:
- Generate reports that automatically adjust to the current date, such as aging reports for accounts receivable.
- Inventory Management:
- Calculate product shelf life or expiry dates from manufacturing dates.
- Creating Dynamic Headers:
- Include the current date in a report header or footer that updates automatically.
TODAY vs. NOW
While both functions are dynamic and return the current date, there's a key distinction:
| Function | Returns | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
=TODAY() |
Current Date (e.g., 1/25/2024) | Useful for date-specific calculations or displaying just the date. |
=NOW() |
Current Date and Time (e.g., 1/25/2024 10:30 AM) | Ideal when both the current date and time are required for timestamps or precise timing. |
In essence, the TODAY function is a fundamental tool for anyone working with date-sensitive data, providing a simple yet powerful way to ensure information remains current and accurate over time.
