How to Get Current Date in Excel?
Do you need to get the current date in an Excel spreadsheet? Knowing the current date can be useful for many reasons, such as recording the date of a transaction, tracking the age of data in a list, or simply noting the date for reference. Fortunately, Excel makes it easy to get the current date and time with the help of a few simple formulas. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to get the current date in Excel.
To get the current date in Excel, open a new workbook and press the shortcut key Ctrl+; (semi-colon). Excel will automatically insert the current date in the cell. Alternatively, press the shortcut key Ctrl+Shift+; (semi-colon) to insert both the current date and time in the cell.
Step-by-Step Tutorial:
- Open a new workbook in Excel.
- Select the cell where you want the current date.
- Press the shortcut key Ctrl+; (semi-colon) to insert the current date in the cell.
- Press the shortcut key Ctrl+Shift+; (semi-colon) to insert the current date and time in the cell.
How to Get the Current Date in Excel
Excel is a powerful spreadsheet program from Microsoft, and it includes a variety of tools for working with dates. One of the most useful is the ability to get the current date in Excel. This can be done in a few simple steps and it is a great way to quickly add the current date to any spreadsheet.
The easiest way to get the current date in Excel is to use the TODAY() function. This function will automatically return the current date as a value on the spreadsheet. It can be used in any formula or cell, and it updates each time the spreadsheet is opened. This is the most convenient way to get the current date in Excel, as it requires no manual updating.
Another way to get the current date in Excel is to use the NOW() function. This function works similarly to the TODAY() function, but it also includes the current time. This is useful for tracking when data was entered into the spreadsheet, and it is also a great way to keep track of events. The NOW() function will return the current date and time in a single value, and it also updates automatically each time the spreadsheet is opened.
Using Formulas to Get the Current Date
In addition to using the TODAY() and NOW() functions, it is also possible to use formulas to get the current date in Excel. The most common way is to use the DATEVALUE() function, which takes a text string as an argument and converts it to a date. This is useful for taking a text string and converting it to a date that can be used in formulas.
Another way to use formulas to get the current date in Excel is to use the EDATE() function. This function takes two arguments, the start date and the number of months to add. It then returns the date that is the specified number of months from the start date. This is useful for getting the current date in Excel, as it allows the user to specify a start date and then add months to get the current date.
Using Shortcuts to Get the Current Date
In addition to using formulas and functions, it is also possible to use shortcuts to quickly get the current date in Excel. The most common shortcut is to press CTRL + ; (semicolon) on the keyboard. This will insert the current date into the active cell. This is a great way to quickly add the current date to any spreadsheet.
Another shortcut is to press CTRL + SHIFT + ; (semicolon). This will insert the current date and time into the active cell. This is useful for tracking when data was entered into the spreadsheet, and it is also a great way to keep track of events. It is a quick and easy way to get the current date and time in Excel.
Using the Ribbon to Get the Current Date
In addition to using formulas, functions, and shortcuts, it is also possible to use the ribbon to get the current date in Excel. The ribbon is the main toolbar at the top of the Excel window, and it includes a variety of tools for working with dates. On the ribbon, there is a button labeled “Today” that will insert the current date into the active cell. This is a great way to quickly add the current date to any spreadsheet.
Using Macros to Get the Current Date
In addition to using formulas, functions, shortcuts, and the ribbon, it is also possible to use macros to get the current date in Excel. Macros are small pieces of code that can be used to automate tasks in Excel. They can be used to quickly insert the current date into a spreadsheet, which is a great way to save time. Macros can be created using the Visual Basic Editor, and they can be used to quickly insert the current date into any spreadsheet.
Using the Date Picker to Get the Current Date
In addition to using formulas, functions, shortcuts, the ribbon, and macros, it is also possible to use the Date Picker to get the current date in Excel. The Date Picker is a small window that appears when you click on a cell that contains a date. It includes a calendar that can be used to select the current date, and it is a great way to quickly add the current date to any spreadsheet.
Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions
What is the simplest way to get the current date in Excel?
The simplest way to get the current date in Excel is to use the TODAY function. This function returns the current date as a serial number, which can then be formatted to display the date in several formats, such as m/d/yyyy or dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy.
How can I use the TODAY function in Excel?
Using the TODAY function is simple. Just type =TODAY() in any cell and it will return the current date. You can then apply a custom number format to the cell to display the date in the format of your choice.
What other functions are available to get the current date in Excel?
In addition to the TODAY function, there are several other built-in functions in Excel that can be used to get the current date. These include NOW, DATE, and DATEDIF. Each of these functions returns the current date as a serial number, which can then be formatted to display the date in the desired format.
How can I format the date returned by the TODAY function?
Once the TODAY function has been used to return the current date as a serial number, you can apply a custom number format to the cell to display the date in the desired format. To do this, select the cell, then click on the Home tab, then click on the Number Format drop-down menu, and select the desired format.
Are there any other ways to return the current date in Excel?
Yes, there are several other ways to return the current date in Excel. These include creating a macro to return the current date, or using a VBA code to return the current date. You can also use a worksheet formula to return the current date.
What are some of the most common formats used to display the current date in Excel?
The most common formats used to display the current date in Excel are m/d/yyyy, dddd, mmmm dd, yyyy, and mm/yyyy. You can also apply a custom format to the cell to display the date in whatever format you choose.
Quickly Enter Current Date and Time in Excel
Excel is a powerful tool for managing data, and knowing how to get the current date in Excel can be invaluable. With a few simple steps, you can easily determine the current date and use it to automate your spreadsheet operations. This will save you time and increase your efficiency when completing tasks in Excel. With the knowledge of how to get the current date in Excel, you can use your newfound skills to streamline your spreadsheet operations and make your life easier.
