When it comes to managing data and creating spreadsheets, Google Sheets is one of the most popular and widely used tools. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, it’s no wonder why many professionals and individuals alike rely on it to get the job done. But, have you ever found yourself needing to insert the current date into your spreadsheet? Perhaps you’re creating a template for tracking daily expenses, or maybe you’re building a dashboard to monitor sales figures. Whatever the case, being able to get today’s date in Google Sheets is an essential skill to master.
Why Get Today’s Date in Google Sheets?
There are many reasons why you might need to get today’s date in Google Sheets. For instance, you might be creating a template for tracking daily expenses, and you want to automatically populate the date for each new entry. Or, you might be building a dashboard to monitor sales figures, and you need to display the current date to provide context for your data.
Getting today’s date in Google Sheets can also be useful for creating automated workflows. For example, you might use a script to send a notification to a team member when a specific task is due, and you need to include the current date in the notification.
In addition, getting today’s date in Google Sheets can be helpful for creating reports and dashboards that are easy to read and understand. By including the current date in your data, you can provide context and make it easier for others to understand the information.
How to Get Today’s Date in Google Sheets
There are several ways to get today’s date in Google Sheets. Here are a few methods:
Method 1: Using the TODAY() Function
The TODAY() function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that returns the current date. To use it, simply enter the formula =TODAY() in a cell, and it will display the current date.
| Formula | Result |
|---|---|
| =TODAY() | 2023-03-15 |
Method 2: Using the NOW() Function
The NOW() function is similar to the TODAY() function, but it returns the current date and time. To use it, simply enter the formula =NOW() in a cell, and it will display the current date and time. (See Also: How to Create a List in Google Sheets? Easy Steps)
| Formula | Result |
|---|---|
| =NOW() | 2023-03-15 14:30:00 |
Method 3: Using a Script
If you need to get today’s date in a specific format or perform additional calculations, you can use a script to do so. To use a script, you’ll need to create a new script in your Google Sheet and write code to retrieve the current date.
Here’s an example of how you might use a script to get today’s date in Google Sheets:
function getTodayDate() {
var today = new Date();
var formattedDate = today.toLocaleDateString();
return formattedDate;
}
To use the script, simply enter the code into a new script in your Google Sheet, and then call the function by entering the formula =getTodayDate() in a cell.
Best Practices for Getting Today’s Date in Google Sheets
When getting today’s date in Google Sheets, there are a few best practices to keep in mind:
Use the TODAY() Function
The TODAY() function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that returns the current date. It’s a simple and easy-to-use function that can be used in most cases.
Use a Script for Complex Calculations
If you need to perform complex calculations or format the date in a specific way, a script may be a better option. Scripts can be used to perform a wide range of calculations and formatting tasks. (See Also: How to Make Two Lines in Google Sheets? Easy Steps)
Use a Consistent Date Format
When displaying dates in your Google Sheet, it’s a good idea to use a consistent date format. This can help make your data easier to read and understand.
Conclusion
Getting today’s date in Google Sheets is a simple and powerful tool that can be used in a wide range of applications. Whether you’re creating a template for tracking daily expenses or building a dashboard to monitor sales figures, being able to get today’s date is an essential skill to master.
In this article, we’ve covered several methods for getting today’s date in Google Sheets, including the TODAY() function, the NOW() function, and scripts. We’ve also covered some best practices for using these methods, including using the TODAY() function, using a script for complex calculations, and using a consistent date format.
Recap
In this article, we’ve covered the following topics:
- Why get today’s date in Google Sheets?
- How to get today’s date in Google Sheets using the TODAY() function, the NOW() function, and scripts
- Best practices for getting today’s date in Google Sheets, including using the TODAY() function, using a script for complex calculations, and using a consistent date format
FAQs
Q: How do I get today’s date in Google Sheets?
A: You can get today’s date in Google Sheets using the TODAY() function, the NOW() function, or a script. The TODAY() function returns the current date, while the NOW() function returns the current date and time. Scripts can be used to perform complex calculations and formatting tasks.
Q: How do I format the date in Google Sheets?
A: You can format the date in Google Sheets using the TODAY() function or a script. The TODAY() function returns the current date in the format MM/DD/YYYY, while scripts can be used to format the date in a specific way.
Q: Can I use the TODAY() function in a script?
A: Yes, you can use the TODAY() function in a script. The TODAY() function returns the current date, which can be used in a script to perform calculations and formatting tasks.
Q: How do I get yesterday’s date in Google Sheets?
A: You can get yesterday’s date in Google Sheets using the DATE() function and subtracting one day. For example, the formula =DATE(TODAY()-1) would return yesterday’s date.
Q: Can I use the NOW() function in a script?
A: Yes, you can use the NOW() function in a script. The NOW() function returns the current date and time, which can be used in a script to perform calculations and formatting tasks.