5 Ways to Insert Date Formulas in Excel Sheets

Using the TODAY Function

One of the most straightforward methods to insert a date into your Excel sheet is by using the TODAY() function. This function dynamically updates to show the current date every time the workbook is opened or recalculated.

To insert today's date:

• Select the cell where you want the date to appear.
• Type =TODAY() and hit Enter.

The cell will now display the current date. This function does not require any arguments, making it extremely simple to use. Here's an example of how to display today's date:

📅 Note: The TODAY function will update the date if the Excel workbook is opened on a different date.

Incorporating the DATE Function

The DATE function allows you to insert a specific date into your spreadsheet by specifying the year, month, and day as arguments. Here is how you can use it:

• Select the cell where you want to display the date.
• Type =DATE(year, month, day) where year, month, and day are numbers you choose.

For instance, to enter the date for New Year's Day 2023, you would use:

This function is ideal when you need to perform calculations with dates or create dates dynamically based on other cell values or formulas.

Leveraging the NOW Function

The NOW() function is similar to TODAY, but it includes both the date and the current time. It's useful for tracking real-time updates or timestamping entries:

• Select a cell.
• Type =NOW() and press Enter.

The cell will automatically update with the current date and time:

⏱️ Note: Like TODAY(), NOW() refreshes each time the workbook recalculates or opens.

Calculating Dates with EDATE

If you're interested in calculating future or past dates, the EDATE function can help. It adds or subtracts a specified number of months from a given date:

• Select your target cell.
• Enter =EDATE(start_date, months) where start_date is the date you start from and months is the number of months to add or subtract.

Here’s how you might calculate the date one month after a given date:

This function is particularly useful for financial modeling, project management, or scheduling tasks.

Combining Functions for Complex Date Formulas

Excel’s real power in date management comes from combining different functions. Here are some examples:

• Add Days to a Date: Use =A1 + 7 to add 7 days to a date in cell A1.
• Calculate Age: Subtract the birth date from TODAY using =TODAY()-B1 where B1 holds the birth date, then convert the result into years.
• Dynamic Date Range: Use EDATE to calculate a range of dates for project milestones.

📊 Note: Combining functions allows for complex date manipulation, enhancing data analysis capabilities in Excel.

The ability to manage and manipulate dates efficiently in Excel opens up a multitude of possibilities for various applications, from tracking deadlines to financial planning. Understanding these basic to advanced techniques will give you a robust toolkit for date-related tasks in Excel.

Can I make the dates in my Excel sheet update automatically?

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Yes, by using functions like TODAY() or NOW(), your Excel sheet will update the date or time automatically when opened or recalculated.

How can I stop the automatic updating of dates?

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You can’t prevent automatic updates with these functions. Instead, consider entering dates manually or using the Paste Special function to convert formulas to values.

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

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TODAY() returns only the current date, whereas NOW() returns both the date and time, updating in real-time.

Can EDATE work with negative months?

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Yes, EDATE can accept negative numbers to calculate dates in the past.