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TODAY and NOW functions in Excel - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

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Recall & Review
beginner
What does the TODAY() function return in Excel?
The TODAY() function returns the current date without the time. It updates automatically when the spreadsheet recalculates.
Click to reveal answer
beginner
How is the NOW() function different from TODAY()?
NOW() returns the current date and time, while TODAY() returns only the date.
Click to reveal answer
beginner
Can you enter a date or time manually and have it update automatically like TODAY() or NOW()?
No. Manually entered dates or times stay fixed. Only TODAY() and NOW() update automatically to the current date/time.
Click to reveal answer
beginner
What happens if you use =NOW() in a cell and then save and reopen the file tomorrow?
The cell will show the current date and time of when you open the file, updating automatically to the new date/time.
Click to reveal answer
intermediate
How can you format a cell with NOW() to show only the time?
Right-click the cell, choose Format Cells, then select Time format. This hides the date and shows only the time part.
Click to reveal answer
Which function shows the current date and time in Excel?
ADATE()
BTODAY()
CNOW()
DTIME()
What does TODAY() return?
ACurrent time only
BCurrent date and time
CStatic date entered manually
DCurrent date only
If you want a cell to update every time you open the file with the current date, which function should you use?
ANOW()
BBoth NOW() and TODAY()
CTODAY()
DNeither
Which of these is true about manually typed dates in Excel?
AThey never change unless edited
BThey update automatically like TODAY()
CThey update only if you use NOW()
DThey update only on weekends
How can you make a cell with NOW() show only the time?
AFormat the cell to show time only
BYou cannot hide the date
CUse TODAY() instead
DUse the TIME() function instead
Explain the difference between the TODAY() and NOW() functions in Excel.
Think about whether time is included or not.
You got /3 concepts.
    Describe how you can use the NOW() function and format it to show only the time in a spreadsheet.
    Remember formatting changes what you see.
    You got /3 concepts.

      Practice

      (1/5)
      1. What does the Excel function TODAY() return when entered in a cell?
      easy
      A. The current date without the time
      B. The current time without the date
      C. The current date and time
      D. The date and time of the last file save

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand the purpose of TODAY()

        The function TODAY() returns only the current date, not including time.

      2. Step 2: Compare with other options

        NOW() returns date and time, so TODAY() is only date.

      3. Final Answer:

        The current date without the time -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        TODAY() = current date only [OK]
      Hint: TODAY() shows date only, no time included [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Confusing TODAY() with NOW()
      • Expecting time to appear with TODAY()
      • Thinking TODAY() updates only when file is opened
      2. Which of the following is the correct way to write the formula that returns the current date and time in Excel?
      easy
      A. =NOW()
      B. =TODAY()
      C. =DATE()
      D. =TIME()

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Identify the function for current date and time

        NOW() returns both current date and time.

      2. Step 2: Check other options

        TODAY() returns only date; DATE() and TIME() require arguments.

      3. Final Answer:

        =NOW() -> Option A

      4. Quick Check:

        NOW() = current date and time [OK]
      Hint: Use NOW() for date and time, TODAY() for date only [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Using TODAY() to get time
      • Writing DATE() or TIME() without arguments
      • Missing equal sign in formula
      3. If cell A1 contains the formula =NOW() and the current date and time is June 15, 2024, 3:30 PM, what will be displayed in A1 (assuming default date-time format)?
      medium
      A. 6/15/2024
      B. 3:30 PM
      C. 6/15/2024 3:30 PM
      D. 15-Jun-2024

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Understand what NOW() returns

        NOW() returns current date and time as a serial number formatted by default to show both.

      2. Step 2: Interpret default formatting

        Default format shows date and time together, e.g., "6/15/2024 3:30 PM".

      3. Final Answer:

        6/15/2024 3:30 PM -> Option C

      4. Quick Check:

        NOW() shows date and time [OK]
      Hint: NOW() shows date and time together by default [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Expecting only date or only time from NOW()
      • Confusing default date format with custom formats
      • Ignoring time portion in NOW() output
      4. You entered =TODAY() in cell B2, but it shows a date from last week instead of today's date. What is the most likely reason?
      medium
      A. Excel does not support TODAY() function
      B. TODAY() function requires arguments to update
      C. The cell is formatted as text
      D. The computer's system date is set incorrectly

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Check function behavior

        TODAY() updates automatically to current date based on system clock.

      2. Step 2: Analyze possible causes

        If date is old, system date is likely incorrect; TODAY() needs no arguments and Excel supports it.

      3. Final Answer:

        The computer's system date is set incorrectly -> Option D

      4. Quick Check:

        TODAY() depends on system date [OK]
      Hint: Check your computer's date if TODAY() shows wrong date [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Thinking TODAY() needs arguments
      • Assuming Excel doesn't support TODAY()
      • Not checking cell formatting or system date
      5. You want to create a spreadsheet that shows the current date and time in cell A1 and automatically updates every time the sheet recalculates. Which formula should you use, and why?
      hard
      A. =TODAY() because it updates date and time automatically
      B. =NOW() because it updates both date and time automatically
      C. =TODAY() + NOW() to combine date and time
      D. =NOW() but it only updates when you open the file

      Solution

      1. Step 1: Identify function that updates date and time

        NOW() returns current date and time and updates on recalculation.

      2. Step 2: Evaluate other options

        TODAY() returns only date; adding TODAY() + NOW() is incorrect; NOW() updates on recalculation, not just file open.

      3. Final Answer:

        =NOW() because it updates both date and time automatically -> Option B

      4. Quick Check:

        NOW() updates date and time on recalculation [OK]
      Hint: Use NOW() for auto-updating date and time [OK]
      Common Mistakes:
      • Using TODAY() expecting time to update
      • Adding TODAY() and NOW() incorrectly
      • Thinking NOW() updates only on file open
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