Add the Current Date in Excel

This tutorial covers how to quickly add the current date to a worksheet using just the keyboard.

The key combination for adding the date is:

 Ctrl  + ;   (semi-colon key)  

Example: Using Shortcut Keys to Add the Current Date

To add the current date to a worksheet using just the keyboard:

1. Click on the cell where you want the date to go.


2. Press and hold down the Ctrl key on the keyboard.


3. Press and release the semi-colon key ( ; ) on the keyboard without releasing the Ctrl key.


4. Release the Ctrl key.


5. The current date should be added to the worksheet in the selected cell.

Note: This keyboard shortcut does not make use of the TODAY function so the date does not change every time the worksheet is opened or recalculated.

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