How to Automatically Insert the Date in Excel: Helpful Methods and Tricks

When working with spreadsheets, it can be useful to have the date automatically updated, without having to type it each time. Excel offers several methods for inserting the current date or updating it automatically: from keyboard shortcuts to functions like TODAY() and NOW(), to combined formulas. In this guide, we'll look at all the practical methods.

Excel It is a versatile tool, used daily in offices, companies and schools. One of the most common needs is that of automatically insert the date In a spreadsheet: to digitally sign a document, update a register, track changes, or simply keep a time reference. There are several methods, from the simplest to the most advanced, that allow you to do this statically (a fixed date that doesn't change) or dynamically (a date that updates automatically).

Why you should automatically insert the date in Excel

The date is a crucial piece of information for anyone working with data. It allows you to:

• Track changes: useful in shared logs or spreadsheets.
• Automate reporting and analysis: having the date updated avoids manual errors.
• Create timelines: important in internal databases, attendance records, expense reports.
• Save time: you won't have to type the date manually every time.

Method 1: Insert the date with keyboard shortcuts

Excel provides quick shortcuts that allow you to enter the date without typing anything:

• Ctrl ; → inserts the current date into a cell.
• Ctrl Shift ; → inserts the current time.

These methods are useful if you need a "static" date, meaning it doesn't change the next day. They're perfect for digitally signing documents or filling out daily forms.

Method 2: Using the TODAY() function

If you want a date that updates automatically, you can use the function =OGGI()This function always returns the date of the day you open or refresh the Excel file.

=OGGI()

The result will be for example 30/09/2025It's very useful in daily reports, dashboards, and any other situation where you want the document to display today's date without manually changing it.

Method 3: Using the NOW() function

The function =ADESSO() It inserts not only the date but also the current time, updating itself automatically.

=ADESSO()

Example result: 30/09/2025 10:45This feature is very useful in activity logs, tracking systems, and time tracking sheets.

Method 4: Insert the date when editing (with VBA)

If you want Excel to automatically insert the date into a cell when you fill in another column, you can use a VBA macro. Here's a practical example:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
    If Not Intersect(Target, Me.Range("A2:A100")) Is Nothing Then
        Application.EnableEvents = False
        Target.Offset(0, 1).Value = Date
        Application.EnableEvents = True
    End If
End Sub

In this case, whenever you write something in column A, Excel automatically inserts the corresponding date in column B. This is a very convenient feature for attendance records or checklists.

Method 5: Block an automatically generated date

Sometimes you need to enter today's date, but avoid changing it to tomorrow. In this case, you can:

• Using the shortcut Ctrl ; which inserts a static date.
• Copy the cell with =OGGI() and paste it as “Value” (Menu → Paste Special → Values).

Method 6: Using combined formulas for automatic dates

Excel also allows you to create formulas that automatically return custom dates. Some examples:

• =OGGI()-1 → returns yesterday's date.
• =OGGI()+1 → returns tomorrow's date.
• =FINE.MESE(OGGI();0) → returns the last day of the current month.
• =OGGI()+7 → returns the date one week later.

These formulas are useful for deadlines, scheduling, and business calendars.

Method 7: Automatically insert the date into a table

If you use Excel tables to record data, you can set up a column with the function =OGGI() or with a VBA macro to automatically insert the date. This is very useful for inventory records, expense reports, or work orders.

Method 8: Customize the date format

Entering the date is just the first step: you can also customize the format to make it readable and suitable for your report. Go to Home → Number → Cell Format → Date and choose between:

• 30/09/2025
• September 30, 2025
• Tuesday, September 30, 2025

The contents of the cell remain a date, but the format changes depending on your needs.

Method 9: Insert the automatic date into multiple cells at once

If you want to insert today's date on multiple lines, just select the cells, type =OGGI() and press Ctrl EnterAll cells will receive the same formula. Alternatively, use drag-and-drop to replicate the formula.

Method 10: Difference between static and dynamic data

It is important to distinguish between:

• Static date: Entered manually or with a shortcut. Never changes.
• Dynamic date: generated with formulas like TODAY() or NOW(). Updates automatically.

The choice depends on the context: in official documents, a static date is needed, while in reports and dashboards, a dynamic date is more useful.

Practical advice

• Use the static date for documents that need to be signed and archived.
• Prefer dynamic date for periodic reports or dashboards.
• If you work with different teams, always specify the format of the date (Italian, English, ISO 8601).
• Consider using macros if you need to automatically record dates with every change.

Conclusions

We have seen that there are numerous ways to automatically insert the date in ExcelKeyboard shortcuts, functions like TODAY() and NOW(), combined formulas, and VBA macros. The choice depends on the type of work you need to do: static documents, updateable reports, logs, or histories. Using these tools will save you time and reduce errors in your spreadsheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TODAY() and NOW() in Excel?

The TODAY() function returns only the current date, while NOW() displays both the date and time, automatically updating every time the sheet is recalculated.

How do I enter a fixed date that doesn't change?

You can use the shortcut Ctrl ; or copy a cell with =TODAY() and paste it as the value. This will keep the date fixed.

Can I automatically insert the date when I type in a cell?

Yes, with a VBA macro that records the date when the change was made. It's useful for attendance records or checklists.

How do I change the date format?

Select the cell, go to Home → Number → Format Cells → Date and choose the style you prefer (e.g. 09/30/2025, 30-Sep-2025, Tuesday, September 30, 2025).

Does the date entered with TODAY() always update?

Yes, TODAY() displays the current date and updates automatically every day, when the Excel sheet is restarted or recalculated.

Published in Excel