Definition. This function returns the serial number for the current date.
Arguments. None
Background. The TODAY() function returns the current date without the time. If you select the General option for the cell format before entering the function, the result is formatted as a date.
The related NOW() function returns both the current date and the time. The difference between TODAY() and NOW() is that TODAY() returns only the current date and NOW() returns the date and the time.
To calculate date differences from the current date, use the TODAY() function. You can use the TODAY() function to calculate the number of days since an invoice was issued. With the help of the calculated difference, you can see if deadlines were met or missed.
The results are updated only when you open a workbook or calculate a workbook. To recalculate at any time, press the F9 key.
The accuracy of this function depends on your computer having the correct system time.
For more information about saving dates in Excel, see the section titled The Excel Date System in Chapter 2.
Example. You might want to include the current date in an invoice form. The =TODAY() formula adds the current date to the form. More examples are listed here:
=TODAY()+14 returns the date 14 days from today.
=TODAY()+200 returns the date 200 days from today.
=TODAY()-100 returns the date 100 days prior to today’s date.
=TODAY()-"11/14/1959" returns the current age in days for a person whose birthday is November 14, 1959.