How do I insert today’s date in Excel? If you’re new to Excel or simply looking for a quick and easy way to add the current date to your spreadsheet, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you need the date for a calendar, a to-do list, or any other purpose, Excel provides a straightforward method to automatically insert today’s date with just a few clicks.
Adding the current date to an Excel spreadsheet is a simple process that can be done in several ways. The most common method involves using the Today function, which is built into Excel. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
1. Open Excel and Go to the Cell: Open your Excel spreadsheet and navigate to the cell where you want to insert the date.
2. Use the Today Function: Type `=TODAY()` in the cell. This function automatically inserts the current date based on your computer’s system date.
3. Press Enter: After typing `=TODAY()`, press the Enter key. The cell will display the current date.
4. Format the Date (Optional): If you need to format the date to match your specific requirements, you can use the Format Cells option. Select the cell with the date, right-click, and choose “Format Cells.” In the Number tab, you can select a date format that suits your needs.
5. Use the Keyboard Shortcut: If you’re looking for a quick way to insert the date, you can use the keyboard shortcut `Ctrl + Shift + ~` (tilde key). This will insert the current date in the default date format for your system.
6. Update the Date Automatically: If you want the date to update automatically every time you open the spreadsheet, make sure you have not formatted the cell with a specific date format. The `=TODAY()` function will update the date each time the spreadsheet is recalculated, which typically happens when you open or save the file.
By following these steps, you can easily insert today’s date into any cell in your Excel spreadsheet. This feature is incredibly useful for maintaining accurate records, scheduling events, or simply keeping track of time-sensitive data. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or just someone who needs to keep track of dates for personal use, Excel’s Today function is a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.
