Add Current Date in Excel: Quick Guide

Mastering the art of adding the current date in Excel can significantly boost your productivity, especially when dealing with spreadsheets for reporting, logging, and tracking purposes. Whether you are managing a large dataset or simply keeping a personal journal, knowing how to effortlessly insert the current date can streamline your work. In this guide, we will explore various methods to add the current date in Excel, ensuring you are equipped with practical skills for all your Excel needs.

Using Keyboard Shortcuts

The quickest way to add the current date in an Excel cell is through keyboard shortcuts:

• On Windows, press Ctrl + ;.
• On macOS, press Cmd + ;.

💡 Note: This method inserts the date as a static value. Subsequent changes to the date won’t update automatically.

Using Functions

If you need the date to update automatically each time the workbook is opened or modified, use Excel’s built-in functions:

• TODAY() - Returns the current date from your computer’s system settings.
• NOW() - Provides the current date and time.

To use these functions:

1. Type =TODAY() or =NOW() into the cell where you want the current date to appear.
2. Press Enter to confirm.

🚫 Note: The date will update every time the worksheet recalculates.

Adding the Date with VBA

For those comfortable with macros, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) can automate date insertion:

1. Open the VBA editor by pressing Alt + F11.
2. Create a new module by right-clicking on any object in the project window, then selecting Insert > Module.
3. Enter the following code:

   
   Sub InsertCurrentDate()
       ActiveCell.Value = Date
   End Sub
   
   

4. Close the VBA editor and return to Excel.
5. Run the macro by pressing Alt + F8, selecting “InsertCurrentDate”, and clicking Run.

💻 Note: VBA macros require enabling macros in your Excel settings. Be cautious with macros from unknown sources.

Custom Formatting

If you frequently need to insert dates, consider setting up a custom number format to display dates consistently:

• Select the cell where you want to insert the date.
• Press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog.
• Under the Number tab, choose Date.
• Select your preferred date format, or create a custom one.

📌 Note: Custom formats will not change the underlying date value, only how it's displayed.

In summary, incorporating the current date into Excel spreadsheets can be achieved through multiple avenues, each tailored to different needs:

• Keyboard shortcuts offer a quick static solution.
• Functions like TODAY() or NOW() provide dynamic updates.
• VBA macros automate the process, and
• Custom formatting ensures consistency.

Can the date in an Excel cell update automatically?

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Yes, by using functions like TODAY() or NOW(), the date will update automatically each time the worksheet is recalculated.

What’s the difference between using TODAY() and NOW() in Excel?

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TODAY() returns only the current date, while NOW() includes both the current date and time.

Is it possible to insert the date with a single keystroke?

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Yes, on Windows, you can press Ctrl + ; (semicolon) to insert the current date as a static value.