When it comes to working with data in Google Sheets, having the ability to insert the current date is an essential feature. Whether you’re creating a budget, tracking progress, or managing a schedule, knowing how to insert the current date can save you a significant amount of time and effort. In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to insert the current date in Google Sheets, including using formulas, formatting cells, and using add-ons.
Why Insert the Current Date in Google Sheets?
The current date is an important piece of information that can be used in a variety of ways in Google Sheets. For example, you can use it to track the date of a task, the date of a payment, or the date of a project milestone. You can also use it to create a schedule or a calendar, or to track the progress of a project over time.
In addition to its practical uses, inserting the current date in Google Sheets can also be a useful way to add a touch of professionalism to your spreadsheets. By including the current date in your headers or footers, you can create a sense of authority and credibility that can be important for business or academic purposes.
Using Formulas to Insert the Current Date
One way to insert the current date in Google Sheets is to use a formula. The formula to use is =TODAY(), which returns the current date in the format of the cell it is entered into. For example, if you enter the formula =TODAY() into a cell in your spreadsheet, it will return the current date in the format of the cell, such as MM/DD/YYYY or DD/MM/YYYY.
You can also use the TODAY() formula in combination with other formulas to create more complex date calculations. For example, you can use the TODAY() formula to calculate the number of days between two dates, or to determine whether a date is within a certain range.
| Formula | Description |
|---|---|
| =TODAY() | Returns the current date in the format of the cell |
| =TODAY() + 1 | Returns the date one day from the current date |
| =TODAY() – 1 | Returns the date one day before the current date |
Using the TODAY() Formula with Dates
The TODAY() formula can be used with dates to create more complex date calculations. For example, you can use the formula =TODAY() + 1 to calculate the date one day from the current date, or =TODAY() – 1 to calculate the date one day before the current date.
You can also use the TODAY() formula with other date formulas to create more complex date calculations. For example, you can use the formula =TODAY() + 30 to calculate the date 30 days from the current date, or =TODAY() – 30 to calculate the date 30 days before the current date.
Formatting Cells to Insert the Current Date
Another way to insert the current date in Google Sheets is to format a cell to display the current date. To do this, you can select the cell you want to format, go to the “Format” menu, and select “Number” from the drop-down menu. (See Also: Why Isn’t My Formula Working in Google Sheets? Troubleshooting Tips)
In the “Number” format dialog box, select “Custom” from the “Category” drop-down menu, and then enter the following format code in the “Format” field: dd/mm/yyyy. This will format the cell to display the current date in the format of dd/mm/yyyy.
You can also use the “Format” menu to format a cell to display the current date in a different format. For example, you can select “Date” from the “Category” drop-down menu, and then select a format from the “Format” drop-down menu, such as “mm/dd/yyyy” or “dd/mm/yyyy”.
Using the Format Menu to Insert the Current Date
The format menu is a quick and easy way to insert the current date in Google Sheets. Simply select the cell you want to format, go to the “Format” menu, and select “Number” from the drop-down menu.
In the “Number” format dialog box, select “Custom” from the “Category” drop-down menu, and then enter the following format code in the “Format” field: dd/mm/yyyy. This will format the cell to display the current date in the format of dd/mm/yyyy.
Using Add-ons to Insert the Current Date
There are also several add-ons available for Google Sheets that can help you insert the current date. For example, the “Date and Time” add-on allows you to insert the current date and time into your spreadsheet.
To install the “Date and Time” add-on, go to the “Add-ons” menu, and select “Get add-ons” from the drop-down menu. In the “Get add-ons” dialog box, search for “Date and Time”, and then select the add-on from the search results.
Once the add-on is installed, you can use it to insert the current date and time into your spreadsheet. To do this, select the cell you want to format, go to the “Add-ons” menu, and select “Date and Time” from the drop-down menu. (See Also: How Do You Add Check Boxes in Google Sheets? – Easy Guide)
Using the “Date and Time” Add-on
The “Date and Time” add-on is a useful tool for inserting the current date and time into your spreadsheet. To use the add-on, select the cell you want to format, go to the “Add-ons” menu, and select “Date and Time” from the drop-down menu.
In the “Date and Time” dialog box, select the format you want to use for the date and time, such as “dd/mm/yyyy hh:mm:ss”. This will format the cell to display the current date and time in the selected format.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve explored the different ways to insert the current date in Google Sheets, including using formulas, formatting cells, and using add-ons. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, inserting the current date is an essential feature that can save you time and effort.
We hope this article has been helpful in showing you how to insert the current date in Google Sheets. Whether you’re using formulas, formatting cells, or add-ons, we’re confident that you’ll be able to find a method that works for you.
Recap
Here’s a recap of the different ways to insert the current date in Google Sheets:
- Using the TODAY() formula
- Formatting cells to display the current date
- Using add-ons, such as the “Date and Time” add-on
FAQs
How do I insert the current date in Google Sheets?
You can insert the current date in Google Sheets by using the TODAY() formula, formatting cells to display the current date, or using an add-on such as the “Date and Time” add-on.
How do I format a cell to display the current date?
To format a cell to display the current date, select the cell, go to the “Format” menu, and select “Number” from the drop-down menu. In the “Number” format dialog box, select “Custom” from the “Category” drop-down menu, and then enter the following format code in the “Format” field: dd/mm/yyyy.
How do I use the TODAY() formula to insert the current date?
To use the TODAY() formula to insert the current date, enter the formula =TODAY() into the cell you want to format. This will return the current date in the format of the cell.
Can I use the TODAY() formula with dates?
Yes, you can use the TODAY() formula with dates to create more complex date calculations. For example, you can use the formula =TODAY() + 1 to calculate the date one day from the current date, or =TODAY() – 1 to calculate the date one day before the current date.
How do I install the “Date and Time” add-on?
To install the “Date and Time” add-on, go to the “Add-ons” menu, and select “Get add-ons” from the drop-down menu. In the “Get add-ons” dialog box, search for “Date and Time”, and then select the add-on from the search results.