What TODAY does
TODAY returns the current date based on your system clock, without a time component. It is useful for due dates, aging reports, rolling deadlines, and formulas that should always compare against the current day.
Practical examples
Show today's date
=TODAY()
This returns the current date and updates when Excel recalculates the workbook.
Set a deadline five days from today
=TODAY()+5
This is a simple pattern for follow-up dates, trial periods, or reminders.
Common mistakes and notes
TODAY is volatile
The result changes whenever the workbook recalculates. If you need a fixed timestamp, do not rely on TODAY alone.
TODAY returns a date serial, not static text
Format the cell as a date if you want it to display cleanly. Under the hood, Excel stores it as a number.
Use NOW when time matters
TODAY returns only the date. If the formula needs the current time as well, use NOW.