How do I use the TODAY function in Excel?

The TODAY function is a handy tool in Microsoft Excel that helps you track the current date and time in your spreadsheet. It can be used in a variety of ways, such as calculating due dates, tracking project timelines, and more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the TODAY Function

1. Select the cell where you want the current date to be displayed
2. Type the equal sign (=) to start the formula
3. Type TODAY()
4. Press Enter or Return to apply the formula

The cell will now display the current date in the default format specified in your Excel settings. If you want to customize the date format, you can use the Format Cells dialog box.

TODAY Function Tips and Tricks

• The TODAY function is a volatile function, meaning it updates every time the worksheet is recalculated. Be aware of this if you have a large number of TODAY functions in your workbook, as it can slow down performance.
• The TODAY function can be combined with other functions to perform more complex calculations. For example, you can use the TODAY function to calculate the number of days until a deadline by subtracting the due date from TODAY.
• The TODAY function is not affected by changes to the system clock, so it will always return the correct date and time.