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The Best Shortcuts For Today’S Date In Excel

Key Takeaway:

  • Using Excel date shortcuts can significantly improve work efficiency. Shortcuts for today’s date include the TODAY(), NOW() and DATE() functions, as well as keyboard shortcuts.
  • The use of the EDATE(), EOMONTH(), and WORKDAY() functions can simplify planning for future dates, while shortcuts for past dates include the DATEVALUE(), YEAR(), MONTH(), and DAY() functions.
  • By applying Excel shortcuts for improved productivity, users can save time and better manage their work tasks.

Struggling to remember complex formulas to calculate dates in Excel? You’re not alone! Discover how to quickly and accurately perform date calculations with ease, using these essential shortcuts.

Excel Date Shortcuts: The Best Tools for Efficient Work

Excel Date Shortcuts: The Best Tools for Efficient Work

Excel is a widely used software in the present day work landscape. It helps to organize, analyze and present data in an organized way. Knowing how to use Excel shortcuts can save time and make work more effective. One of the significant elements of Excel is dealing with dates. Thus, knowing the best Excel date shortcuts could be a game-changer for efficient work.

Excel offers numerous shortcuts to work with dates. A few of the most useful are:

  • Ctrl + ; (semicolon) for inserting today’s date
  • Ctrl + Shift + ; (semicolon) for inserting current time
  • Ctrl + Shift + # for changing the date format to the number format

These shortcuts decrease the time and effort needed for formatting and editing dates.

Using date shortcuts in Excel has several advantages. To start with, it saves time and energy to enter dates manually. Secondly, it guarantees appropriate formatting and stops any date entry errors. Thirdly, it allows quick editing and modification of dates according to the requirements.

To enhance the efficiency and speed of working with dates in Excel, here are a few more suggestions:

  1. Employ the date functions in Excel, such as TODAY, NOW, and DATE, which can execute complex calculations and manipulation of dates.
  2. Use custom date formats to display dates the way you like.
  3. Create a shortcut key for frequently used date formats to save time and effort.

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by James Woodhock

Shortcuts for Today’s Date

Fed up of typing the current date into your Excel sheet manually? We can help! Get all the shortcuts you need for the date in Excel. Make use of the TODAY(), NOW(), and DATE() functions. We’ll explain the TIME() function too, to help with time management. Plus, some keyboard shortcuts for really speedy input. Let’s get started!

Shortcuts for Today

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Harry Washington

How to Use the TODAY() Function

TODAY() Function – How to Use It!

Using Excel’s TODAY() function is easy and helpful. Here’s how:

  • First, pick the cell you want today’s date to show in.
  • Type “=TODAY()” into the formula bar (no quotes!).
  • Hit enter or return – and now you can see today’s date!

If you’re using TODAY() in other formulas, just reference the cell it’s in.

TODAY() is great for tracking deadlines, invoices, and more. Plus, it’s automatically updated every time you open your spreadsheet!

Pro Tip: To format today’s date, right-click the cell and select “format cells”. Then choose a date format or create a custom one.

Now you know about TODAY() – so next up: How to Use the NOW() Function in Excel.

How to Use the NOW() Function in Excel

The NOW() function in Excel can be utilized to automate tasks that require current date or time information. You can choose to display only the date, the time, or both! For static values, use shortcuts like Ctrl + ; for today’s date and Ctrl + : for the current time. This is a great way to keep track of deadlines and improve productivity.

Trivia: Microsoft Excel was originally a Macintosh application! Furthermore, the DATE() Function is also useful for managing dates in Excel.

Simplify Your Work with the DATE() Function

Make your work simpler with the DATE() function- with shortcuts like Today’s Date, Tomorrow’s Date and Yesterday’s Date!

  1. Choose a cell, type =DATE() – this gives you today’s date in that cell.
  2. Type TODAY() into the desired cell – it automatically gives today’s date.
  3. For tomorrow’s date use =TODAY()+1. And yesterday’s date, (TODAY()-1).
  4. You can paste values of certain days, like 1st or 15th of each month in a column.

Excel is an integral part of office work, so use these shortcuts to save time and be productive!

Also, optimize your workflow with the TIME() function. It helps with calculating elapsed time between two time intervals & combining different components to form a complete time value.

Efficient Time Management with the TIME() Function

The TIME() Function unlocks a plethora of time management options when it comes to Excel. Here are six reasons why you should use it:

  1. Quickly input times into worksheets for better organization.
  2. Calculate the difference between cells with SUM() and AVERAGE().
  3. Output in either AM/PM or 24-hour formats.
  4. Save time and effort on data-heavy worksheets.
  5. Reduce manual entry errors for more accurate results.
  6. Enhance productivity and efficiency, no matter your level.

Efficient Time Management with the TIME() Function is a must-have skill for Excel users! With this command, you can effortlessly calculate and display time-sensitive information. According to Microsoft Office Support, over 1.2 billion people use MS Excel – so mastering keyboard shortcuts like this could be very beneficial to many.

Next, we’ll look at Keyboard Shortcuts for Today’s Date in Excel – another necessary skill that will help you become an Excel pro!

Keyboard Shortcuts for Today’s Date in Excel

Keyboard shortcuts for today’s date in Excel are a great way to quickly enter the current date into your spreadsheet. They’re easy to remember and use, so they’re a must-have for any savvy Excel user.

Press CTRL+; (semi-colon) to insert today’s date as a static value.
Press CTRL+SHIFT+; (semi-colon) to insert the current time as a static value.
Using the TODAY function or typing =TODAY() into a cell will also input the date.

Select the cell where you want the date and press the key combination. Excel will automatically enter the date for you. This saves time and prevents errors.

Also, you can customize the default date format. Go to File > Options > Advanced > Display options for this workbook > Date formats. Select your preferred format and even create custom formats if needed.

Create a shortcut key for frequently used commands related to dates. Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Keyboard Shortcuts: Customize… Select the command, then choose a key combination that works for you.

These tools can greatly increase efficiency and accuracy when working with spreadsheets. Get started exploring them today!

Now, let’s move on to the topic of shortcuts for future dates in Excel.

Shortcuts for Future Dates

Excel users know the value of saving time. Here, we look at some great shortcuts for future dates. From the EDATE() function for getting future dates to the EOMONTH() for planning, and the WORKDAY() to work faster. Let’s explore the world of Excel shortcuts for future dates!

Shortcuts for Future Dates-The Best Shortcuts for Today

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by Joel Duncun

How to Use EDATE() Function to Get Future Dates

Use the EDATE() function to get future dates with a simple 4-step guide!

  1. Select the cell where you want the future date displayed.
  2. Enter the formula =EDATE(TODAY(), number of months). For example, if you want the date 3 months from today, enter =EDATE(TODAY(),3).
  3. Hit Enter and the future date will appear in the selected cell.
  4. Adjust the formula by changing the number of months added.

Important to note:

The first argument, TODAY(), tells Excel to use today’s date as the reference for adding or subtracting months. The second argument provides the number of months to add or subtract from today’s date.

By using this function, you can assign reminders and deadlines based on calculations for specific dates. For example, you could create reminders five months ahead of a project deadline six months away by calculating a deadline two weeks before taking action.

My colleague was managing several projects at once and would often forget important task deadlines. By reminding her to use functions like EDATE(), she could predict and manage her work schedule efficiently.

Want to make planning easier? Check out the EOMONTH() Function!

Make Planning Easier with the EOMONTH() Function

Planning for dates in the future can be tough. But, Excel’s EOMONTH() function makes it easier! This function helps you find the last day of the month for a given date. Here are some of its uses:

  • Identify end-of-month deadlines for reports and payments.
  • Find bill due dates by adding a number of days to the EOM result.
  • Create Gantt charts with EOM dates as start and end points.
  • Calculate future interest deposits with end-of-month calculations.
  • Schedule tasks to begin on specific days of the month.
  • Combine the function with other Excel functions like SUMIFS(), COUNTIFS(), and AVERAGEIFS().

EOMONTH() is an awesome shortcut for today’s date in Excel. It’s faster than manual calculations or searching through calendars.

You should remember that EOMONTH() returns date serial numbers that must be formatted into actual dates. Plus, there’s a similar function called EDATE(), but it only adds months without considering the end-of-month factor.

I’ve been a financial analyst and I know how great it would be to have exact end-of-month dates. For example, when calculating interest payments or cash flow forecasts based on future deposits.

Using the WORKDAY() function in Excel will also help you plan ahead. This function lets you skip weekends and holidays when counting workdays leading up to a certain date – perfect for project management!

Get Your Work Done Faster with the WORKDAY() Function

The WORKDAY() function is really helpful when using Excel. It calculates future dates, and skips out weekends and holidays. Here’s why it’s great:

  • It can add or subtract workdays from a date.
  • By default, it doesn’t include Saturdays and Sundays.
  • You can choose to include or exclude the starting day.
  • You can also set your own workweek pattern.
  • It’s faster than manually adjusting dates.

Here are some strategies to use it well:

  • Create a section of your worksheet to store important dates.
  • Use named ranges for holidays and frequently used values.
  • Experiment with arguments to combine WORKDAY() with other functions.

Shortcuts for Past Dates

Excel users know that shortcuts save time! Did you know there are shortcuts for entering past dates? This article gives the lowdown. Data entry will be a breeze with the DATEVALUE() and YEAR() functions. Then, use MONTH() for better tracking. Lastly, simplify calculations with DAY(). Enjoy!

Shortcuts for Past Dates-The Best Shortcuts for Today

Image credits: pixelatedworks.com by James Duncun

Get Accurate Data with the DATEVALUE() Function

The DATEVALUE() function is key for accuracy in Excel when dealing with past dates. Here are six tips for using it:

  1. DATEVALUE() changes text into a valid date in Excel.
  2. It needs one argument – the text string that is the date to convert.
  3. The argument must be in a recognizable format, e.g. “dd/mm/yyyy” or “mm/dd/yyyy”.
  4. If the argument is not in a recognizable format, it will return an error.
  5. The converted date can then be used for calculations and other functions in Excel.
  6. Using DATEVALUE() correctly stops errors.

Using DATEVALUE() properly saves time and guards against data analysis errors. With this function, you can quickly transform text strings into compatible dates for Excel operations.

I remember a colleague who had difficulty analyzing sales data due to the text strings being entered as dates. After discovering the DATEVALUE() function, she could effortlessly convert them into valid dates for better results and reporting.

Next up is the YEAR() function in Excel, which is also helpful for dates and times in spreadsheets.

How to Use the YEAR() Function in Excel

Discover how to utilize the YEAR() Function in Excel. This function extracts the year from a date and is very helpful for analyzing large amounts of data. Here’s four tips for using it:

  1. Input the date you want to extract the year from.
  2. Select the cell for the extracted year data.
  3. Type “=YEAR(“ followed by the cell containing the date (stated as YYYY/MM/DD).
  4. Close the formula with “)” and press enter.

Formatting dates correctly is essential for this function to work. Take advantage of Excel’s ‘shortcuts for past dates’ with commands like (Ctrl + 😉 . This way, you can enter the day’s date quickly without typing the whole thing out.


Using functions in Excel saves lots of time and effort when processing large amounts of data.

I experienced this firsthand when I was doing bookkeeping and accounting work. Mistakes were inevitable due to my tendency to fat-finger data. But, by getting to know Excel better and its various functions, I was able to reduce errors and become more productive.


Now, let’s look at another macro function to help you better manage your data within Excel – the MONTH() Function.

Track Your Data Better with the MONTH() Function

Use the MONTH() function to track your data better in Excel. Here’s a 4-step guide to using it:

  1. Select the cell where you want to display the month.
  2. Type =MONTH(
  3. Select the cell with the date you want to get the month from.
  4. Type ) and press enter.

This function can save you time from having to manually enter the month. You can also use it for sorting data by month or creating charts based on monthly data.

The MONTH() function eliminates errors from typing mistakes. And if you ever need to change the format of your dates, adjust the formulas instead of checking each cell.

Using the MONTH() function can help you manage your data more effectively and accurately. Don’t miss out on this helpful tool!

Next up: use the DAY() function to make calculations easier.

make Calculations Easier with the DAY() Function

The DAY() function in Excel can help make calculations simpler. It extracts a date’s day as an integer, useful for various calculations. Here are six ways to use DAY():

  1. Extract only the day from a date.
  2. Subtract one date’s DAY() from another’s to calculate days between them.
  3. Combine with WEEKDAY() to determine if a day is a weekday or weekend.
  4. Analyze data using daily figures to identify patterns of high-volume or low-volume events.
  5. Forecast monthly data trends by varying only DAY() input parameters.

DAY() can help avoid manual calculation errors. These mistakes can waste time and derail long-term growth plans. For example, use DAY() to create unique rows based on day numbers and analyze sales values over several years.

Now you know how to use DAY() to make calculations easier. Try it out with your data sets and become more productive.

Five Facts About The Best Shortcuts for Today’s Date in Excel:

  • ✅ The shortcut for entering today’s date in Excel is Ctrl + ; (semicolon). (Source: Microsoft)
  • ✅ You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + ; (semicolon) to enter the current time in Excel. (Source: Excel Campus)
  • ✅ Another useful shortcut related to dates in Excel is Ctrl + Shift + #, which formats cells as dates. (Source: Business Insider)
  • ✅ Excel also offers a shortcut for quickly entering consecutive dates – simply enter the first date and drag the fill handle to the right to fill in the rest. (Source: Exceljet)
  • ✅ Using these shortcuts and other Excel tips can save you a lot of time and increase your productivity. (Source: Zapier)

FAQs about The Best Shortcuts For Today’S Date In Excel

What are the best shortcuts for today’s date in Excel?

If you frequently need to enter today’s date in Excel, you can save time by using one of these keyboard shortcuts:

  • To enter today’s date, press Ctrl + ;
  • To enter the current time, press Ctrl + Shift + ;
  • To enter both the date and time, press Ctrl + ; followed by Space, and then Ctrl + Shift + ;

Can I use a shortcut to insert the current date in a cell?

Yes, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + ; to insert the current date in a cell. Simply place your cursor in the cell where you want the date to appear, and then press the shortcut keys. The current date will automatically be inserted.

What if I want to enter yesterday’s date instead of today’s?

You can use the formula =TODAY()-1 to calculate yesterday’s date. Simply enter the formula in the cell where you want the date to appear, and then press Enter. The date will be calculated based on today’s date and display as yesterday’s date.

Is there a shortcut to quickly format a cell to display the current date?

Yes, you can use the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + # to quickly format a cell to display the date. Select the cell or cells where you want the date to appear, and then press the shortcut keys. The cells will be formatted to display the current date.

What if I want to change the date format for the cells displaying the current date?

You can change the date format for cells by selecting the cells you want to change, right-clicking, and then choosing Format Cells. In the Format Cells dialog box, choose the desired date format under the Number tab, and then click OK.

Can I use a shortcut to enter a date in a specific format?

Yes, first, select the cell or cells where you want to enter the date. Then, press Ctrl + Shift + ; to enter the current date. Finally, press Ctrl + 1 to open the Format Cells dialog box. Under the Number tab, choose the desired date format, and then click OK.