How to use the TODAY function in Excel

Posted on: 08/26/2021

The TODAY function returns the current date and is updated automatically when you open an Excel file. The TODAY function has no arguments. I'll use the TODAY function in an accounting exercise using Accounts Receivable in this blog post and video. You would use the same for Accounts Payable. I'll also demonstrate Absolute reference with Net 30 terms and the AVERAGEIF function. You would also use the TODAY function for HR to keep up with years of service for employees.

In the screenshot below, the date is August 25. If I open this on September 4, cell B4 will automatically update to 9/4/2021, and the formuls will be correct.

YouTube video

Video chapters

0:00 Intro
0:30 Net 30 days
0:55 TODAY w/ Absolute ref
1:40 Days overdue
2:25 AVERAGEIF Function

TODAY Function Systax and Examples

Syntax

=TODAY()

Arguments

The Today function has no arguments.

TODAY function examples

If today is 12/1/2021, the TODAY function will return the following results

FUNCTION	Result
=TODAY()	12/1/2021
=TODAY()+4	12/5/2021
=TODAY()-1	11/30/2021

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Chris Menard

Chris Menard is a Microsoft Trainer (MCT) and works as a full-time Trainer at BakerHostetler - one of the largest law firms in the US. Chris runs a YouTube channel with 900+ technology videos that cover various tools such as Excel, Word, Zoom, Teams, Gmail, Copilot, Google Calendar, and Outlook. To date, the channel has helped over 20 million viewers. Menard also does 2 to 3 public speaking events yearly, presenting at the Administrative Professional Conference (APC), the EA Ignite Conference, the University of Georgia, and CPA conferences. You can connect with him on LinkedIn at https://chrismenardtraining.com/linkedin or watch his videos on YouTube at https://chrismenardtraining.com/youtube.