Using the TODAY Function to Add the Current Date
In this tutorial we will use the TODAY function which can be used to show the current date.
In the simplest terms, a function in Excel is a built-in formula that has been created to carry out a specific calculation when used in a worksheet.
Certain functions are intended to make it easier to perform common calculations. The SUM function, for example, can be used to quickly add up columns or rows of numbers listed in the worksheet.
Other functions carry out more complex calculations - such as repayment plans for mortgages and loans - and still others can be used to display information about the program or the computer you are working on.
The Date and Time functions use the computer's built-in clock for calculations related to dates or times or for simply adding the current date to a worksheet.It should be noted that normally this function updates itself every time the worksheet is opened. To enter the date in such a way that it does not change, you can use this keyboard shortcut.
Tutorial Steps:
For help on these steps, refer to the image above.
- Click on cell B3 and type the heading Date:
- Click on cell C3 - the location where the current date will be displayed.
- Click on the Formulas tab.
- Choose Date & Time from the ribbon to open the function drop down list.
- Click on TODAY in the list to bring up the function's dialog box.
- Since the TODAY function reads the computer's internal clock to determine the current date, the dialog box contains a message saying that the function takes no arguments.
- Click OK.
- Today's date should appear in cell C3.
- When you click on cell C3 the complete function =TODAY( ) appears in the formula bar above the worksheet.
- Save your worksheet.
Note: If the date appears as number signs - such as ##### - in the cell, it is because the cell is not wide enough to accommodate the formatted data.
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