How to insert dates in Excel - add today's date, auto fill a column with dates

This tutorial demonstrates various ways of entering dates in Excel. See how to insert today's date and current time as static time stamp or dynamic values, how to auto populate a column or row with weekdays, and how to auto fill random dates in Excel.

There are several ways to add dates in Excel depending on what exactly you want to do. For example, do you want to enter a today's date in some report or invoice? Or, perhaps you want to insert a date in Excel that will update automatically and always display the current date and time? Or, maybe you want to auto fill weekdays or input random dates in your worksheet?

In a moment, you will learn all these and a few more date entering techniques. If you are curious to know how Excel stores dates and times, please check out part 1 of this tutorial - Excel date format.

How to enter a date in Excel

You can type a date in an Excel cell in a variety of ways, for example 1/1/2015, or 1-Jan-2015, or 1-Jan, or January 1, 2015. When you type something like that in a cell, Microsoft Excel knows you are entering a date and automatically applies the date format to that cell. Quite often, Excel formats the newly inserted date according to your Windows default date settings, but sometimes it may leave it exactly as you typed.

The most obvious visual indication that Excel has recognized the date you've entered is its right-alignment in a cell as opposed to left-aligned text values.
Various ways to enter a date in Excel

If Excel has failed to recognize your input as a date and you see it left-justified in a cell, try inserting a date in some other format close to your default short or long date formats. These formats are marked with an asterisk (*) in the Format Cell dialog window and you can quickly access them on the Excel ribbon (Home tab > Number group):
The default short or long date formats in Excel

You will be able to easily change the date format later via the Format Cells dialog that opens on the Ctrl + 1 shortcut. For more details, please see How to change the date format in Excel.

Note. If a date you've entered displays as a number of pound signs (#####) in a cell, most likely the cell is not wide enough to fit the entire date. To fix this, double-click the right border of the column to auto fit the date, or drag the right border to set the desired column width. If this does not help, please check other Excel date format troubleshooting tips.

Tip. The fact that Excel automatically recognizes the entered value as a date may not always be what you actually want. We have some tips on how to avoid automatic data formatting.

Inserting today's date and current time in Excel

In Microsoft Excel, you can input the current date and time either as a static or dynamic value.

Shortcuts to enter today date in Excel (as a timestamp)

To begin with, let's define what timestamp is. Timestamping is entering a "static date" that won't change with the course of time or when the spreadsheet is recalculated.

So, if your goal is to enter the current date and/or time as a static value that won't automatically update the next day, you can use one of the following shortcuts:

  • Ctrl + ; shortcut inserts the today date in a cell.
  • Ctrl + Shift + ; shortcut inserts the current time.
  • To enter the current date and time, press Ctrl + ; then press the Space key, and then Ctrl + Shift + ;.

The shortcuts to insert today's date in Excel

Insert an automatically updatable today's date and current time

If you want to input today's date in Excel that will always remain up to date, use one of the following Excel date functions:

=TODAY() - inserts the today date in a cell.

=NOW() - inserts the today date and current time in a cell.
Inserting an automatically updatable today's date and current time

Unlike Excel date shortcuts, the TODAY and NOW functions will always return today's date and current time.

When using the Excel date functions, please keep in mind that:

  • The returned date and time are not refreshed continuously, they are updated only when the spreadsheet is re-opened or re-calculated, or when a macro containing the function is run.
  • The functions take the current date and time from your computer's system clock.

How to insert today date & current time as unchangeable time stamp

This section addresses a handful of comments that have been posted on this page with one and the same question: "What formula do I use to enter a timestamp in my Excel sheet without it changing every time the worksheet is reopened or recalculated?"

For starters, I'd like to note that I'm very hesitant to post this solution because it involves circular references, and they should be treated with great care. Anyway, here goes the formula…

Let's say you have a list of items in column A, and as soon as a certain item is shipped, you enter "Yes" in the Delivery column, which is column B. Once "Yes" is in there, you want to have the current date and time automatically inserted in the same row in column C as a static unchangeable time stamp.

To do this, we are going to use the following nested IF formula with circular references in the second IF function:

=IF(B2="yes", IF(C2="" ,NOW(), C2), "")

Where B is the Delivery column, and C2 is the cell where you input the formula and where the time stamp will eventually appear.
A circular formula to insert a time stamp in Excel

In the above formula, the first IF function checks cell B2 for the word "Yes" (or any other text you supply to the formula), and if the specified text is there, it runs the second IF function, otherwise returns an empty string. And the second IF is a circular formula that makes the NOW function return the current day and time if C2 doesn't have a value in it already, thus saving all existing time stamps.

If instead of checking for any specific word, you want the timestamp to appear when you put anything in the specified cell (that could be any number, text or date), then have the first IF function to check for a non-empty cell, like this:

=IF(B2<>"", IF(C2="" ,NOW(), C2), "")

Note. For this Excel circular formula to work, you should allow iterative calculations in your worksheet. Also, please keep in mind that there are many reasons not to use circular references in Excel, and if you decide to apply this solution in your worksheets, it's on your own risk.

How to auto populate dates in Excel

If you need to insert dates in a range of cells, you can let Excel "auto date" a column or row by using the AutoFill feature as demonstrated below or make a date sequence with formulas as explained in the above-linked tutorial.

Auto fill a date series that increases by one day

To automatically fill a column or row with an incrementing date series that increases by one day, you use Excel's AutoFill feature in the usual way:

  1. Enter your initial date in the first cell.
  2. Click on the cell with the first date to select it, and then drag the fill handle across or down the cells where you want Excel to add dates. (The fill handle is a small green square that appears at the bottom-right corner when you select a cell or a range of cells in Excel, as shown in the screenshot below.)

Auto filling a date series that increases by one day

Auto fill weekdays, months or years

There are two ways to automatically populate the selected range of cells with weekdays, months or years.

  • You can use the Excel AutoFill options as described above. When the range is populated with sequential dates, click the AutoFill Options icon and select the option you want:
    This is how you auto fill weekdays in Excel.
  • Another way is to enter your first date, right-click the fill handle and drag the fill handle through the cells you want to auto fill with dates, and then release it. When you do, Excel displays a context menu and you select the appropriate option from it.
    Another way to auto populate weekdays, months or years in Excel

Auto insert every 2nd, 3rd or Nth day

If you've tried a second solution described above, you probably noticed the Series option near the bottom, which provides a few more auto date features. One of them is inserting every 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc. day, month or year in a worksheet. Let's try this now:

  1. Add the first date in some cell.
  2. Select that cell, right-click on the fill handle, drag it down or across several cells, and then release.
  3. In the context menu, click Series.
  4. In the Series dialog box, choose the appropriate Date unit and enter the Step value.
  5. Click OK.

Inserting every 2nd, 3rd or Nth day automatically

How to inset random dates in Excel

Regrettably, Microsoft Excel does not provide an option to enter random dates automatically. Luckily, AbleBits Random Generator for Excel does :)

You simply select a range of cells where you want to autofill dates in a random order, and switch to the Random Generator's pane where you specify:

  • Start and End date;
  • What days to add - weekdays, weekends or both;
  • To add only unique dates, check the Unique values

Then you click the Generate button, and have the selected range populated with random dates.
Inserting random dates in Excel

Apart from dates, the Random Generator add-in can auto fill your worksheets with numbers, Boolean vales and custom lists. If you think this is something that would be useful in your work, you can get it as part of our Ultimate Suite for Excel that includes 70+ time-saving tools and over 300 useful features.

If you are setting up a spreadsheet for other users, and want to make sure they enter dates right, it may be a good idea to insert a drop-down calendar in a worksheet. Your users will be able to fill in dates in a mouse click and you will be 100% confident that all dates are entered in an appropriate format.

If you are using a 32-bit version of Excel, you can use Microsoft's Date Picker control. For the detailed instructions, please see How to insert calendar in Excel (Date Picker control).

If you are using a 64-bit version of Excel 2016, Excel 2013, Microsoft's Date Picker control won't do. In this case, consider using one of the third-party calendars, for example our own one :)

Ablebits drop-down calendar for Excel

For more options, please see third-party drop-down calendars for Excel.

This is how you insert date in Excel. I am hopeful these date entering techniques, shortcuts, functions and Excel auto date features have proved useful to you. Anyway, thank you for reading!

Table of contents

437 comments

  1. I would like to format each page in a workbook...with a different date easily. Because I need a page for each day for a month...and it is hard going through each page and updating every single month..is there a function for that? Does that make sense?

  2. I have a table in excel and want to insert dates in cells that are a few rows apart but want the dates to fill automatically without me having to enter the date manually

  3. Hii I want B1 cell fill Data then C1 fill automatic date but next day should be not changed.

  4. Hi Svetlana Cheusheva.

    Its probably Simple, but I want to put the first day of the month (any month) in A1. as 01/july/19
    Then have A5-A31 or A5-A30 or A5-A28, autofill with the days in that month whether its a 28/30/31 day month.

    Hope you can help

  5. Hi Svetlana Cheusheva,
    Have some queries. Each operating system has its installation date, can be found in the Command Prompt. Is there any function in Excel that can put the Windows Installation Date automatically? Means that, if the file is opened in other computer, different installation date will appeared.
    I also need to calculate the "age" of the computer based on the current date. Is there any functions can be used? Please help. Thank you.
    -From Malaysia-

  6. Hello,
    I want to put no. of days of every month in front of month how to get them both

  7. Hi there,

    I want to appear date and time in cell (A2), just below where i entered data in cell (A1).
    Currently i am using the formula,

    Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
    If Target.Column 1 Then Exit Sub
    If Target.Cells.Count > 1 Then Exit Sub
    With Target.Offset(0, 1)
    .Value = Now
    .NumberFormat = "DD/MM hh:mm AM/PM"
    End With
    End Sub

    Kindly help me in this regard.

  8. Hello, I am creating an attendance sheet. I need help auto populating days of the week in one area of the form (days area) and months and year (in month and year area) for future months. I wish to create the form in advance so I would need the future month. Can anyone help :)

    • Hello,
      have you created one??

      if yes please share the process

  9. Hi,

    Here is my problem: Make an entry to a cell and I want cell next to it automatically shows the entry date. (=today() would not work as it will refresh the date automatically)

    Is there any way to do it in excel?

    thanks in advance

  10. can you help please,

    Am Excel some dates entred
    04.02.2016
    04.09.2015
    04.12.2015
    05.03.2016
    05.03.2016
    How to automatic date correct please help me, Thank you Sir.

  12. can you help please
    I'm trying to do a training matrix on execel, however I want to have renewal dates generated automatically in each course for each member of staff alerting when the training is next due
    ie
    Mary went on course on 21/8/18 and the renewal date is every 3 years,21/8/21
    I want to create that when I put in date she went on course below will automatically give renewal date.
    any help gratefully received. Thank you

  13. I am looking to get the date for every Tuesday and Thursday in each week listed down in the same column, obviously whilst keeping them all in date order, any ideas? much appreciated.

  14. Thanks! I didnt know this trick with auto populate, drag the corner. Will save me lots of boring time when i do my time reports :-)

  15. Hi! I tried the following the formula below:

    =IF(B2="yes",IF(C2="",NOW(),C2),"")

    but it returned 0/1/1900 0:00.

    I hope you can point out what's the problem.

    Thanks and Regards!

  16. Hi,
    I tried your following formula is ok

    =IF(B2="yes", IF(C2="" ,NOW(), C2), "")
    but i want TO B2=YES & B2=OK THEN CREATE DATE.
    PLEASE SEND ME FORMULA

  17. Im wondering how to enter current date in 80,000 columns in a1 without dragging. Can any suggestion me?

  18. Hi,
    I tried your following formula but it NOT SHOWING DISPLAY

    =IF(B2="yes", IF(C2="" ,NOW(), C2), "")

    Appreciate if you can point out where the problem could be.

  19. Thank you. Loved it.
    Many more things to learn.

  20. Thank you in advance . I ask about how to create fixed time & date through time stamp I need date & time no change for every open or close for excel sheet

  22. Hi Svetlana

    sorry to disturb with small but teasing problem

    Tried to ask friends and surf net … ;(

    Where to look ?

    It seems my computer wants (mac e 2011 and High Sierra.)
    to show dates in decimal ???

    Also in Format Cell it gives sample 1.1.1904 or 1900 depending which tick is in calculations box.

    Näyttökuva 2018-6-6 kello 11.34.43.png

    In my mind I have not changed anything in excel or mac. problem continues

    Would appreciate a hint what now.

    Cheers form Finland

  23. Auto day to day update DATE in excel work sheet

  24. Hi,

    I have an existing sheet having date and time filled automatically when i enter the serial number in A cells and go to B cell the date and time automatically fills in B. Can you please tell how to make it happen. since i want to make another sheet of same kind.

    Thank you

    Faizan

  25. Thank you- this site is amazing - was able to fix the problem I had so quickly and now have a shortcut to use continuously.

  26. Hi,

    If I have a date of 1-Mar-18 in a cell and want to auto calculate the 4 weeks in the month, how do I do so? I want to be able to input the month and year and have the work weekdays auto populate

  27. If I give the date in Excel sheet the day has to be updated accordingly. Can you guys please let me know the formula.

    Example: if I enter 2/27/18 then Tuesday has to be updated.

    • Hello, Yash,

      If your task is to get a day of the week from your date 2/27/18, please enter one of the following formulas in the adjacent cell:

      =TEXT(A1, "ddd")

      =TEXT(A1,"dddd")

      Where A1 is the cell that contains your date. The first formula displays the short form of the day, i.e. Tue, and the second formula returns the full day name, i.e. Tuesday.
      Please also note that the day names you'll get after applying the above formulas will have the text format.

      Hope this is what you need.

  28. I have a series of cells (7-11) that when the task completed I put a date into that cell. I have a % cell that I want to show the % completed. Example: I have 7 total cells and 3 show the date completed and % of the total is 21%. How can I shoe the % automatically?

  29. Hi,
    How to cress the date automatically.
    For example if the
    A1 column contains todays date (01/01/2018) then A2column/B1row should contain the next days date (02/01/2018) but the next days date should not be displayed in the sheet for today (01/01/2018)

    Can anybody please help me with this??

  30. Thanks Dear

  31. Hi please help,
    Im same formula apply but time not peck always shown 00:00 or 12:00:00

  32. hi! so i am making a graph and the dates are not lining up with what I inputted into. ie
    26-Sep
    29-Sep
    03-Oct
    06-Oct
    10-Oct
    13-Oct
    17-Oct
    20-Oct
    25-Oct

    but it gives me every two days from the start date, just wondering how i could fix that.
    thank you for your time

  33. Can I insert the start date of year in cell .. A1 then show me the end date of year in cell A2
    Ex.
    A1=1/1/2017 A2=18/01/2017

  34. My Excel does not run as yours, my date fills or automatically re-copy a single date all the way down of the spread block, or if I choose two consecutive dates as my starting block then it simply fills automatically, but increments only the year...

    What do I have to set or reset?

  35. By the way, great site.
    In Excel, I have the date in one cell (05/09/2017) and in another cell I have the time (01:43:00 PM).
    How can I combine both these to show, for example:
    05/09/2017 01:43:00 PM
    in the one cell so I can do date and time arithmetic?
    I have set up a custom format (ddd, mmmm dd, yyyy hh:mm:ss) to display the result already.
    Many thanks.....

    • Hello, Greg,

      supposing that A1 contains date and B1 - time, use the following formula:
      =VALUE(A1)+VALUE(B1)

      If you need to combine them with the format, please try the following:
      =TEXT(VALUE(A1)+VALUE(B1),"ddd, mmmm dd, yyyy hh:mm:ss")

  36. I'd like a formula to auto fill dates in a column....say c7-c26 when I manually change a "week ending" date in e4

  37. I want to know how to add date and day in same cell.
    Like 08-08-2017 : TUESDAY

    Please help

  38. i want to put multiple chooses not only YES like YES,NO,LATER

  39. Hi,

    I am trying to Highlight the dates in excel if expire date is today and tomorrow and Past date should be red and Day after tomorrow it should be amber
    Also it has to check the cell is empty or not Is this possible, and if so, how do I do it please?

  40. Hello, if I enter a specific date into a cell, how do I get it to autopopulate automatically in the following cells, then also show the day of the week on the calendar below?

  41. How can I enter like this SATURDAY 01 JULY 2017 in excel 2007 with DATE FORMAT so that I can autofill the full month like SUNDAY 02 JULY 2017 MONDAY 03 JULY 2017

  42. How do I enter all dates from today till say next 20 years or infinite years.

  43. Hi,
    When I am converting a date time column to the name of the day by using the custom dddd function, the column is showing the day name (like Wednesday) but it's reading it as the same date time (when I click on day name the top space is showing the date time. So, I am unable to separate weekdays and weekends as during filtering its showing numbers and not texts.

  44. HOW CAN I CHANGE DATE & TIME AUTOMATICALLY WHEN I OPEN EXCEL SHEET ?

  45. Hi Svetlana,

    I have lists of people with their dates of birth, and I want a second column to automatically calculate their ages without having to update them all manually. Is this possible, and if so, how do I do it please?

    Cheers

  46. time should change automatically in excel. Any formula for that Action.

    • =now()

  47. hi Svetlana Cheusheva
    m vijay
    i use excel spreadshit fir entering lots of nmbers and party names date etc can u tell me solution i want to ask
    1. how to autofill when iinsert party name then pary pace automatically in next coloumn

    2. if i save my document then can u tell me each time when i save documrnt then save other place in specific path and where i work in that current old sheet is there like previous means when i save document then its automatically save another place where i want but my current formate is there like privous

    mail me solution

  48. How would I go about having row 1 be double dates in series for as long as I drag, i.e. 1 June, 1 June, 2 June, 2 June, 3 June 3 June. So every 2 columns are the same date?

  49. My excel inserted a row when I pressed CTRL +...OH WELL

  50. Hi,
    I want to link word file to excel is it possible if yes then ow it is possible i want to share data excel to word if its possible please guide me. Thanks

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