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How To Get Current Date In Google Sheets

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Knowing how to display the current date in Google Sheets can be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re tracking deadlines, creating reports, or simply want to record the date of a specific event, having the current date readily available saves time and effort.

How to Get the Current Date in Google Sheets

Fortunately, Google Sheets makes it incredibly easy to insert the current date. There are a couple of simple methods you can use:

Method 1: Using the TODAY Function

The TODAY function is a built-in function in Google Sheets that automatically returns the current date. To use it:

  1. Select the cell where you want the date to appear.
  2. Type the following formula into the cell: =TODAY()
  3. Press Enter.

The cell will now display the current date. Any time you open or recalculate the spreadsheet, the date will automatically update to reflect the current day.

Method 2: Using the Date Picker

Google Sheets also offers a visual way to insert the current date using the date picker.

  1. Select the cell where you want the date to appear.
  2. Click on the small calendar icon that appears in the formula bar.
  3. The date picker will open, displaying the current date. You can select it directly.

Both methods achieve the same result. Choose the one that you find most convenient.

How to Get the Current Date in Google Sheets

Knowing how to insert the current date into your Google Sheets is a fundamental skill. Whether you’re tracking deadlines, recording timestamps, or simply want to add a date to your spreadsheet, this guide will walk you through the simple steps. (See Also: How To Extrapolate Data In Google Sheets)

Using the TODAY Function

The easiest way to get the current date in Google Sheets is by using the TODAY function. This function automatically updates to reflect the current date every time you open or recalculate your spreadsheet.

To use the TODAY function:

  1. Select the cell where you want the current date to appear.
  2. Type the following formula into the cell:

    3. =TODAY()

  3. Press Enter.

The cell will now display the current date in the format set by your spreadsheet’s regional settings.

Formatting the Date

By default, the TODAY function displays the date in a standard format. However, you can customize the date format to your liking using the DATE function and formatting options.

Using the DATE Function

The DATE function allows you to specify the year, month, and day to create a specific date. While it’s not strictly necessary for getting the current date, it’s useful for creating dynamic date ranges or working with specific dates in your calculations.

To use the DATE function: (See Also: How To Insert Lines In Google Sheets)

  1. Select the cell where you want the formatted date to appear.
  2. Type the following formula into the cell:

    3. =DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(TODAY()),DAY(TODAY()))

  3. Press Enter.

This formula extracts the year, month, and day from the current date using the YEAR, MONTH, and DAY functions and then combines them using the DATE function.

Customizing Date Format

Once you have the date in a cell, you can format it to your desired appearance. To do this:

  1. Select the cell containing the date.
  2. Click on the “Format” dropdown menu in the toolbar.
  3. Choose “Number” from the dropdown menu.
  4. Select “Date” from the “Category” list.
  5. Choose your preferred date format from the available options.

Recap

In this guide, we explored two primary methods for obtaining the current date in Google Sheets: the TODAY function and the DATE function combined with formatting options. The TODAY function provides a simple way to insert the current date, while the DATE function allows for more control over the date format. By understanding these methods, you can effectively incorporate dates into your spreadsheets for various purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions: Google Sheets Current Date

How do I insert today’s date in Google Sheets?

The easiest way to insert today’s date is to use the TODAY() function. Simply type “=TODAY()” into any cell and press Enter. This will automatically display the current date.

Can I format the date differently?

Yes, you can customize the date format. Select the cell containing the date, then click on the “Format” menu and choose “Number” > “Date”. Here you can select your preferred date format from the options.

How do I display the date in a specific cell format?

You can use the DATE() function to display the date in a specific format. For example, to display the date as “Month Day, Year”, use the formula “=DATE(YEAR(TODAY()),MONTH(TODAY()),DAY(TODAY()))”.

What if I need the date in a different time zone?

Google Sheets automatically uses your local time zone. If you need to display a date in a specific time zone, you’ll need to use a third-party add-on or script to adjust the date accordingly.

See Also:

Can I automatically update the date in a cell?

Yes, the date in a cell will automatically update whenever you open the spreadsheet. If you want to manually refresh the date, simply select the cell and press F9.

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