The TODAY function in Excel is a built-in function that returns the current date, providing users with a convenient way to manage time-sensitive data within their spreadsheets. Unlike static date entries, the TODAY function is dynamic; it updates automatically each day, ensuring that your data remains current without requiring manual updates.
Syntax
The syntax for the TODAY function is straightforward:
=TODAY()The function does not require any arguments, making it easy to use in a variety of contexts.
Examples
Let’s say you want to create a simple tracker for tasks with due dates. You can use the TODAY() function to determine if a task is overdue. Here’s an example:
| Task | Due Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Task 1 | 2025-04-01 | =IF(TODAY()>A2,"Overdue","On Time") |
| Task 2 | 2025-04-05 | =IF(TODAY()>A3,"Overdue","On Time") |
In this example, the TODAY() function helps you automatically update the status of each task based on the current date.