TODAY Function in Google Sheets
Returns the current date with no time component. Updates automatically when the sheet recalculates. The simplest building block for date math and aging.
Syntax
TODAY()Returns: The current date as a date value (no time).
Excel equivalent: TODAY (identical)
Examples
Days until a deadline
=A2 - TODAY()If A2 is a future date, returns the number of days remaining. Negative for past dates.
Age in days
=TODAY() - A2Days since a past date. Wrap with INT() if the source has time components that produce fractional days.
Conditional based on date
=IF(A2 < TODAY(), "Overdue", "On track")Returns "Overdue" for past dates and "On track" for today or future.
When to use an alternative
- NOW — You need date AND time.
- Hardcoded date — You want a snapshot that doesn't change on recalc.
Common errors and how to fix them
Date doesn't update
Cause: Sheet hasn't recalculated since the day changed.
Fix: Force recalc with File → Spreadsheet settings → Recalculation → On change and every minute, or press F5.
Shows as a number
Cause: Cell formatted as Number instead of Date.
Fix: Format → Number → Date.
Related functions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TODAY change automatically?
Yes, every time the sheet recalculates. By default that's on edit or open. Set recalc to "on change and every minute" in Spreadsheet Settings if you want it to update during long open sessions.
Why does TODAY in a date subtraction return a weird number?
The result format is inheriting Date from the input. Format the result cell as Number to see the day count, or wrap with TEXT() for explicit formatting.