The TODAY function in Google Sheets is a straightforward yet powerful tool designed to return the current date as a date value. This function is particularly useful for tracking timelines, creating time-sensitive reports, or integrating with other date-related functions within your spreadsheets.

Syntax

=TODAY()

• No parameters required: The TODAY function does not take any arguments, making it easy to use.

Example #1

=TODAY()

This function will return the current date, for example, “10/05/2023” (assuming today’s date is October 5th, 2023).

Example #2

=TODAY() + 7

This will return the date one week from today, yielding “10/12/2023” if today is October 5th, 2023.

Example #3

=TODAY() - 30

This function will give you the date 30 days prior, such as “09/05/2023” if today is October 5th, 2023.

Error handling

• VALUE!: This error does not occur with the TODAY function since it does not accept any parameters that could be invalid.

Conclusion

In summary, the TODAY function is an essential tool in Google Sheets for anyone looking to leverage date functionality in their spreadsheets. Its simplicity, combined with its ability to dynamically update to the current date, makes it invaluable for various applications, from basic data input to complex time management solutions.