TODAY Function
TODAY displays today's date, updating automatically when the workbook opens or recalculates.
Syntax
Basic Example
Get today's date
=TODAY()Returns the current date as a serial number formatted as a date.
Advanced Examples
Example 1: Calculate days until deadline
Project managementFind how many days remain until a deadline
=A1 - TODAY()Example 2: Calculate age from birthdate
Personal informationCompute someone's age from their birthdate
=DATEDIF(A1, TODAY(), "Y")How TODAY Works
TODAY returns the current date as a serial number (Excel date format). It updates automatically whenever the workbook is opened or recalculated.
Important Notes & Limitations
TODAY returns only the date, not the time.
For date and time, use NOW() instead.
Download Practice File
TODAY
todayPractice TODAY with Real Data
Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the TODAY function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.
File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps
Related Tutorials
Calculate Age From Birthday
Learn how to calculate age from birthday in Excel and Google Sheets using DATEDIF, YEAR and TODAY — get exact years, or years, months and days, that update automatically.
Calculate Days Between Two Dates
Calculate days between two dates in Excel and Google Sheets with DAYS, DATEDIF, and NETWORKDAYS. Learn which formula counts total, working, or elapsed days and how to skip weekends.