Use the TODAY Function in Microsoft Excel for Automatic Date Updates

Microsoft Excel has a number of built-in functions that can be used to perform calculations and analyze data. One of these functions is the TODAY function, which returns the current date as a serial number. By using this function, you can easily keep your spreadsheets up-to-date with the latest information.

The TODAY function returns the current date as a serial number in the format yyyymmdd. The function's syntax is =TODAY(), so all you have to do is type in ‘=TODAY()’ into a cell to get the current date. You can also use other functions, such as YEAR(), MONTH(), and DAY() to extract only the portion of the date that you need.

The best feature of the TODAY function is that it automatically updates the date when the worksheet is opened or when a new day arrives. This allows you to keep track of changes over time without having to manually enter a new date every day. You can also use the TODAY function to calculate the number of days between two dates or to add or subtract a specified number of days from a date.

The TODAY function is a powerful tool for keeping your spreadsheets up to date. With just one line of code, you can easily keep track of the current date and even compare it to other dates. Understanding how to use this function will make it much easier to manage information in Microsoft Excel.