TODAY Function
Purpose
Returns the serial number of the current system date. The serial number is the date-time code used by Excel for date and time calculations.
Syntax
EXCEL
=TODAY()
(Takes no arguments).
Practical Examples
1. Dynamic Client Age Calculation Drill
From Formulas_&_Functions_Part_2.xlsx (Sheets Vlookup, HLookup, XLookup):
EXCEL
=DATEDIF(E22, TODAY(), "Y")
Calculates client age dynamically based on Date of Birth in E22.
2. Days Elapsed (Aging Invoices)
EXCEL
=TODAY() - Invoices[IssueDate]
Behavior & Gotchas
- Volatile Function: Recalculates every time any cell in the workbook changes or when the workbook opens.
- Static Timestamp Alternative: To insert today's date as a fixed, permanent static value that does not change tomorrow, press
Ctrl + ;.
Related Knowledge
- Notes: 06 Date and Time Intelligence
- Workbook:
11_Demos_and_Workbooks/03_Formulas_and_Functions/Formulas_&_Functions_Part_2.xlsx(Sheet:Date and Time)