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TODAY.

Returns the current date.

SyntaxArgumentsExampleInteractive SandboxGeneratorCompatibilityFAQRelatedCheat Sheet
Category: Date & Time
ExcelExcel 365Excel 2021Excel 2019Google Sheets

How it works.

The TODAY function is a volatile formula that retrieves the current system date and displays it in the cell. It automatically updates every time the worksheet is opened or recalculated.

💡 In simple terms.

Returns the current date. It updates itself automatically every single day.

Everyday Analogy

"Think of this like a digital calendar on your wall. Every single morning, it automatically flips to show today's date."

Formula syntax.

Standard Excel Notation
=TODAY()
Tip:Arguments wrapped in square brackets [like_this] are optional; all other arguments are required.

Formula arguments.

Every parameter accepted by the TODAY function is detailed below.

TODAY takes no arguments. Simply write =TODAY() to execute.

Simple example.

Step-by-Step Scenario

Calculate Days Overdue

Calculate how many days are left (or overdue) relative to today's date.

Due DateDays ElapsedSystem Date Symbol
2026-08-01—TODAY()——
2026-08-10————
2026-08-15————
Applied Formula
=TODAY() - A2
Expected Result:2026-10-10

Evaluates TODAY over the sample table cells, placing the verified output in cell B2:B6.

Formula generator.

Full Generator Wizard

Customize the argument fields below to generate a tailored TODAY formula ready to paste directly into your worksheet.

=TODAY()

Generated FormulaReady to copy
=TODAY()

Expected result behavior.

Returns "2026-10-10" based on sample evaluation criteria and active cell references.

Sample Output:2026-10-10
Output Type:Text String

Best Practices

  • TODAY is excellent for calculating age, duration, or days remaining (e.g. `=A2 - TODAY()` calculates days until a deadline date in A2).
  • If you need both the date and current system time, use `=NOW()` instead.

Common Mistakes

  • TODAY is a volatile function. It can slow down large spreadsheets because it forces a recalculation of the entire sheet every time *any* cell changes.
  • Do not use TODAY if you want a permanent timestamp that stays fixed.
Compatibility Database

Platform & version compatibility.

Verified platform compatibility matrix based on actual spreadsheet calculation engine specifications.

Excel✓
Supported
Excel 365✓
Supported
Excel 2021✓
Supported
Excel 2019✓
Supported
Google Sheets✓
Supported
Microsoft Excel History & Version Availability

Core standard function supported across all modern and legacy Microsoft Excel versions (365, 2021, 2019, 2016, 2013, 2010), as well as Excel for the Web and Mac.

Google Sheets Compatibility Notes

100% compatible with Google Sheets. Uses identical argument order, data types, and standard calculation logic.

Frequently asked questions.

Technical Q&A
Can I use TODAY across different worksheets in Excel?↓

Yes. You can reference cells located on other sheets by including the sheet name followed by an exclamation mark, for example: =TODAY(Sheet2!A2:A10). If the sheet name contains spaces, enclose it in single quotes: ='Q1 Report'!A2:A10.

What is the most common reason for errors in TODAY?↓

TODAY is a volatile function. It can slow down large spreadsheets because it forces a recalculation of the entire sheet every time *any* cell changes.

Does TODAY work identically in Google Sheets?↓

Yes, TODAY is supported in both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets with standard evaluation behavior.