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

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.

beginner

How is the NOW() function different from TODAY()?

NOW() returns the current date and time, while TODAY() returns only the date.

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.

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.

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.

Which function shows the current date and time in Excel?

A DATE()

B TODAY()

C NOW()

D TIME()

NOW() returns both the current date and time.

What does TODAY() return?

A Current time only

B Current date and time

C Static date entered manually

D Current date only

TODAY() returns the current date without time.

If you want a cell to update every time you open the file with the current date, which function should you use?

A NOW()

B Both NOW() and TODAY()

C TODAY()

D Neither

Both TODAY() and NOW() update automatically when the file recalculates or opens.

Which of these is true about manually typed dates in Excel?

A They never change unless edited

B They update automatically like TODAY()

C They update only if you use NOW()

D They update only on weekends

Manually typed dates stay fixed until you change them.

How can you make a cell with NOW() show only the time?

A Format the cell to show time only

B You cannot hide the date

C Use TODAY() instead

D Use the TIME() function instead

You can format the cell to display only the time part.

Explain the difference between the TODAY() and NOW() functions in Excel.

Think about whether time is included or not.

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.