Overdue flag
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Due date |
| 2 | 1/15/2020 |
Formula: C1: =IF(A2<TODAY(),"Overdue","Open")
Result: Overdue
A due date in the past compares smaller than TODAY().
Date & time
TODAY
Today's date. Changes every day.
Syntax
TODAY()Example: =TODAY()
Available in: All versions
TODAY returns the current date and updates every time the workbook recalculates: =TODAY(). It takes no arguments and is the base for ages, deadlines, overdue flags and days-left counters.
When to use it
- You flag tasks or invoices that are overdue.
- You calculate age, tenure or time since an event.
- You count days left until a deadline.
- You get the end of the current month or year for reports.
Arguments explained
- (no arguments). TODAY takes none, but the parentheses are required: =TODAY(). It returns the current date from your computer clock as a serial number, without a time of day.
- Recalculation. The value updates every time the workbook recalculates or opens, so it is unsuitable for a fixed date such as an invoice date. Type the date or press Ctrl+; to stamp a static one.
- Arithmetic. Add or subtract days directly: =TODAY()+30 is a date a month ahead. Format the cell as a date if you see a five-digit number.
Worked examples
Has five years passed?
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hire date |
| 2 | 1/1/2000 |
Formula: C1: =DATEDIF(A2,TODAY(),"y")>=5
Result: TRUE
DATEDIF returns completed years between the hire date and today.
Is this month still running?
| A | |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Formula: A1: =EOMONTH(TODAY(),0)>=TODAY()
Result: TRUE
The last day of the current month is never before today.
Try it
A tiny spreadsheet with example data. Edit the formula or any number and see the result.
Formula in F2: =TODAY()
| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start | End | Holiday | Time | Result | |
| 2 | 3/15/2026 | 6/20/2026 | 5/1/2026 | 14:45 | 10/28/2026 | |
| 3 | 1/31/2026 | 2/28/2026 | 5/9/2026 | 09:30 | ||
| 4 | 12/24/2025 | 1/9/2026 |
Result in F2: 10/28/2026
Common errors and how to fix them
- Value keeps changing. TODAY is volatile and recalculates whenever the file opens. For a fixed timestamp type the date or press Ctrl+;.
- Shows a number like 45000. The cell has a General or Number format. Apply a Date format.
- Includes time. TODAY has no time part. Use NOW if you need the time.
- Wrong date. TODAY uses the computer's clock and time zone.
Related functions
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between TODAY and NOW?
- TODAY returns the date only; NOW returns the date and time.
- How do I calculate days until a deadline?
- Subtract: =A2-TODAY(), and format the cell as a General number.
- Does TODAY update by itself?
- Only when the workbook recalculates, for example when opened or edited.
- How do I enter a static date?
- Press Ctrl+; (semicolon) in the cell.