| Function category | Date and time functions |
| Volatility | Volatile |
| Similar functions | NOW — returns current date and time DATE — creates date manually from numbers |
What does the TODAY() function do?
The TODAY function returns the current system date of the computer where the file is opened. Time is not considered – the result will be only the date.
The function is used in date calculations: for comparison, automatic determination of overdue tasks, dynamic reports and calendars.
Formatting
By default, Excel displays the result in date format. If necessary, you can manually change the format (for example, to numeric or text).
To get a text view of the current date, use the TEXT function:
=TEXT(TODAY(), "DD.MM.YYYY")Syntax
=TODAY()Arguments:
The function requires no arguments. But parentheses “()” are mandatory.
Examples
| Formula | Description | Result (example) |
|---|---|---|
=TODAY() | Current date | 06/17/2025 |
=TODAY()-7 | Date one week ago | 06/10/2025 |
=DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),1,1) | January 1 of current year | 01/01/2025 |
Features
- The function recalculates every time the file is opened or when the worksheet is updated.
- To save a “snapshot” of the date, copy the cell with the formula and paste “as values”.
- The function depends on the system date settings on the user’s computer.
Other date and time functions in Excel
TIMEVALUE, TIME, YEAR, DATE, DATEVALUE, EDATE, DAY, WEEKDAY, YEARFRAC, EOMONTH, MONTH, MINUTE, WEEKNUM, WORKDAY, DATEDIF, SECOND, NOW, HOUR, NETWORKDAYS
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