Date
TODAY
Definition
TODAY returns the current date according to your computer's clock.
Syntax
=TODAY()
Arguments
| Argument | Meaning |
|---|---|
(none) |
TODAY takes no arguments, but the empty parentheses are still required. |
Worked example
A planner lists due dates in B2:B4. Assume today is 10 November 2026 and format the answer cell as a plain number.
| A: Task | B: Due date |
|---|---|
| Renew passport | 1 Dec 2026 |
| Book dentist | 18 Jan 2027 |
| Pay insurance | 9 Feb 2027 |
Formula: =B2-TODAY()
Result: 21. Dates are stored as day counts, so subtracting today from 1 December 2026 leaves the 21 days still to go.
Practice
Cell B2 holds the date 25 March 2027, and today is 3 March 2027. Write a formula, formatted as a number, that returns how many days remain.
- In C2, write a formula that subtracts TODAY from B2.
Step 1 of 1
Enter =B2-TODAY() in C2.
Formulas here use English function names, such as SUM, and a period as the decimal separator, in every language.
Loading the sheet…
C2 uses TODAY.
Related functions
This catalog has no other date function, so TODAY is the only one to learn here.
Common mistake
Using TODAY to stamp a date that should never change: it recalculates every time the workbook opens, so type a fixed date with Ctrl+; instead.