TODAY and NOW in Google Sheets - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does the TODAY() function return in Google Sheets?

The TODAY() function returns the current date without the time. It updates automatically each day when you open or refresh the sheet.

beginner

What is the difference between TODAY() and NOW() functions?

TODAY() returns only the current date (year, month, day). <br>NOW() returns the current date and time (hours, minutes, seconds).

intermediate

How often do TODAY() and NOW() update their values?

Both TODAY() and NOW() update automatically when you open or edit the sheet. <br>They do not update every second unless the sheet recalculates.

intermediate

How can you use TODAY() to calculate someone's age if their birthday is in cell A1?

Use the formula: =INT((TODAY()-A1)/365.25) to get the age in years. <br>This subtracts the birthday from today and divides by 365.25 days to account for leap years.

intermediate

What format does NOW() return and how can you display only the time?

NOW() returns date and time as a number with decimal part representing time. <br>To show only time, format the cell with a time format like hh:mm:ss or use =TEXT(NOW(), "hh:mm:ss").

What does the TODAY() function return?

A Current time only

B Current date and time

C Current date only

D Static date entered manually

TODAY() returns the current date without time.

Which function gives you the current date and time in Google Sheets?

A NOW()

B DATE()

C TIME()

D TODAY()

NOW() returns both current date and time.

If you want to calculate how many days have passed since a date in cell A1, which formula is correct?

A =NOW() - A1

B =NOW() + A1

C =A1 - TODAY()

D =TODAY() - A1

Subtracting the past date from TODAY() gives days passed.

How often do TODAY() and NOW() update their values?

A Every second automatically

B Only when you open or edit the sheet

C Never update after entering

D Every hour automatically

They update when the sheet recalculates, usually on open or edit.

Which formula shows only the time part of the current date and time?

A =TEXT(NOW(), "hh:mm:ss")

B =NOW() - TODAY()

C =TEXT(TODAY(), "hh:mm:ss")

D =TIME(NOW())

=TEXT(NOW(), "hh:mm:ss") formats the current time only.

Explain how the TODAY() and NOW() functions work and when they update.

Think about how your phone clock updates when you open an app.

Describe a real-life example where you would use TODAY() in a spreadsheet.

Think about how you check dates on a calendar or planner.