The TODAY function in Excel is a powerful and simple tool that automatically retrieves the current date. Every time a spreadsheet is opened or updated, the function returns the current day's date without requiring any arguments. If you need the current time in addition to the date, it is recommended to use the NOW function.
The syntax of TODAY is very simple:
=TODAY()
When using this function, Excel displays the date in serial format, so it is advisable to apply a date format so that the value is displayed correctly. This format can be customized according to your needs.
At Q2BSTUDIO, a company dedicated to technological development and services, we use functions like TODAY in corporate solutions that automate processes in spreadsheets and internal management systems, offering efficient tools tailored to client needs.
Some practical examples of using the TODAY function include:
- =TEXT(TODAY(),'DDDD') to get the current day of the week
- =TEXT(TODAY(),'MMMM') to display the current month in text
- ='Q'&ROUNDUP(MONTH(TODAY())/3,0)&'-'&YEAR(TODAY()) to display the current quarter
- =TODAY()+5*365 to calculate a date five years in the future
- =IF(MOD(YEAR(TODAY()),4)=0,'Yes','No') to check if the current year is a leap year
- =EOMONTH(TODAY(),0) to get the last day of the month
- =DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),12,31) to display the last day of the year
It is also possible to find the next day of the week using the MOD function together with WEEKDAY. For example, to find the next Friday:
=TODAY()+MOD(6-WEEKDAY(TODAY()),7)
Similarly, you can adjust the number for any other day (1=Sunday, 2=Monday, ..., 7=Saturday).
To calculate age from a date of birth located in cell C4, you can use:
=YEAR(TODAY())-YEAR(C4)
=DATEDIF(C4,TODAY(),'Y')
=IF(ISNUMBER(C4), DATEDIF(C4,TODAY(),'Y'), 'Invalid Date')
If you also need to display the current time along with the date, you can combine the TODAY function with the NOW function:
=TEXT(NOW(), 'DD-MMM-YYYY HH:MM AM/PM')
Additionally, there are multiple customizable formats for displaying the date:
- =TEXT(TODAY(), 'DD-MMM-YYYY') ? 13-Mar-2025
- =TEXT(TODAY(), 'DDDD, DD-MMM-YYYY') ? Thursday, 13-Mar-2025
- =TEXT(TODAY(), 'MMMM YYYY') ? March 2025
- =TEXT(TODAY()+1, 'DD-MMM-YYYY') ? Tomorrow's date
- =TEXT(TODAY()-1, 'DD-MMM-YYYY') ? Yesterday's date
At Q2BSTUDIO, we implement this type of automation in customized systems that facilitate decision-making for our clients, optimizing administrative processes with advanced tools in Microsoft Excel and other technologies integrated with management indicators and automated reports.
In short, the TODAY function is ideal for any operation where the current date is needed dynamically and is one of the most widely used functions in business environments, especially when combined with other advanced functions that maximize its usefulness.
