📌 TODAY Function — Automatically Insert the Current Date in Google Sheets

Have you been typing today’s date manually every time you open your spreadsheet?
When creating reports or managing logs, it’s easy to forget to update the date—or worse, type it incorrectly.
Manual input not only slows you down but also increases the risk of errors in routine tasks.

Fortunately, Google Sheets provides a simple way to automate this with the TODAY() function.
With just one line of code, the current date is inserted automatically and updates every day you open the sheet.
It’s one of the most practical and beginner-friendly functions in all spreadsheet workflows.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to use TODAY() in real-world situations—with clear examples and visual layouts.

✅ Function Summary

✅ Example 1: Insert today’s date in a cell

Formula

=TODAY()

📄 Spreadsheet Layout Example

➡️ The current date appears automatically in cell A1 and refreshes daily.

✅ Example 2: Calculate a date 7 days ago

Formula

=TODAY() - 7

📄 Spreadsheet Layout Example

➡️ Automatically shows the date from one week prior.

✅ Example 3: Days remaining until a future date

Formula

=DATEDIF(TODAY(), DATE(2025, 12, 31), "D")

📄 Spreadsheet Layout Example

➡️ Calculates the number of days left until a specific deadline.

✅ Example 4: Highlight overdue dates using conditional formatting

Conditional formatting formula

=A1 < TODAY()

📄 Spreadsheet Layout Example

➡️ Automatically highlights overdue dates in red or other styles.

💼 Real-World Scenarios

• Auto-fill attendance sheets
• Auto-record issue/report dates
• Automate expiration calculations
• Use in dynamic templates for daily logs or reports

✅ Final Thoughts

The TODAY function is small but powerful.
It saves time, ensures accuracy, and becomes even more useful when combined with IF, EDATE, DATEDIF, or conditional formatting.