Today, I’m going to share with you how to get today’s date in Excel. This may seem like a simple task, but it’s a crucial function for many Excel users, including myself. Whether it’s for tracking deadlines, creating dynamic reports, or simply labeling your data, knowing how to retrieve today’s date can be a game-changer. Let’s dive into the various methods to accomplish this in Excel.
Using the TODAY Function
The simplest way to get today’s date in Excel is by using the TODAY function. This function requires no arguments and simply returns the current date. Whenever your workbook is open, this function updates automatically, displaying the current date every time the sheet is recalculated.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
If you’re looking for a quick way to insert today’s date in a cell, you can use a keyboard shortcut. While in the desired cell, simply press Ctrl + ; (semi-colon) and Excel will instantly input the current date. This approach is useful for a one-time insertion of the date.
Using a Combination of Functions
For more advanced users, you can get today’s date using a combination of functions. One common approach is to use the NOW function, which returns the current date and time, and then format the result to display the date only. This is achieved by nesting the TODAY function within the TEXT function to format the date as per your preference.
Adding Personal Touch
Personally, I prefer using the TODAY function in most cases. It’s simple, effective, and requires minimal effort. However, I also find the keyboard shortcut quite handy when I need to quickly stamp today’s date in a cell without disrupting my workflow.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has provided you with valuable insights into how to get today’s date in Excel. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, having the ability to retrieve today’s date is an essential skill in Excel. Experiment with the methods mentioned and find the one that best fits your workflow.