none - Optional. TODAY takes no arguments - it automatically returns the current date
| A | B | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Function | Result |
| 2 | =TODAY() | 1/3/2026 |
| 3 | Formula: | =(TODAY()-DATE(1990,1,15))/365.25 36.0 years |
Returns today's date
=TODAY() → 1/3/2026
Date 30 days from now
=TODAY()+30 → 2/2/2026
Date 7 days ago
=TODAY()-7 → 12/27/2025
Calculate age in years from birthdate in A2
If A2=1/15/1990 → 36.0 years
Automatically calculate age from birthdate using the TODAY function in Excel - updates daily without manual intervention. The Excel TODAY formula is perfect for HR systems tracking employee ages for benefits eligibility, retirement planning, and age-based policies. Also essential for customer relationship management (CRM) systems, marketing segmentation by age groups, insurance underwriting, and compliance reporting that requires accurate age calculations. This automated approach eliminates manual date updates and ensures age data is always current for demographic analysis and age-restricted workflows.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Name | Birthdate | Age |
| 2 | Sarah Johnson | 1/15/1990 | |
| 3 | Mike Chen | 6/22/1985 | |
| 4 | Formula: | =(TODAY()-B2)/365.25 36.0 years |
Automatically flag tasks past their deadline using the TODAY function in Excel - no manual checking needed. The Excel TODAY formula combined with IF creates intelligent task management systems that update daily. Essential for project management tracking overdue deliverables, accounts receivable aging reports flagging past-due invoices, maintenance schedules showing overdue equipment checks, and compliance systems alerting expired certifications. This automated deadline monitoring ensures critical dates never slip through the cracks and enables proactive task management with real-time status updates.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task | Due Date | Status |
| 2 | Submit Report | 12/25/2025 | |
| 3 | Review Contract | 2/15/2026 | |
| 4 | Formula: | =IF(B2<TODAY(),"OVERDUE","On Track") OVERDUE |
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
=NOW()Use the NOW function in Excel instead - it returns both current date and time. The Excel TODAY formula is date-only, while NOW includes the timestamp for precise time tracking in logs, timestamps, and time-based calculations.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
Type the date directly or use =DATE(2026,1,3)For fixed dates that should never change, type the date directly in the cell or use the DATE function in Excel with specific year, month, and day values. The TODAY function in Excel always recalculates to the current date.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
=(TODAY()-A1)/365.25 or =DATEDIF(A1,TODAY(),"Y")Use 365.25 to account for leap years, or use DATEDIF for precise year calculations. The Excel TODAY function combined with accurate date arithmetic ensures age and time period calculations remain correct across leap years.
Master these TODAY Function variants:
From basics to advanced - AI generates perfect formulas instantly.