The date shortcut in Excel is Ctrl + ;: it types today's date into the active cell as a fixed value that will not change tomorrow. The time shortcut is Ctrl + Shift + ;, which types the current time.
For both in one cell, press Ctrl + ;, then Space, then Ctrl + Shift + ;. If you want a date that updates every day instead, use the TODAY() formula, explained below.
Quick facts
Today's date
Ctrl + ;Current time
Ctrl + Shift + ;Both
Ctrl + ;, Space, Ctrl + Shift + ;Date format
Ctrl + Shift + #Time format
Ctrl + Shift + @Updating date
=TODAY()
Fixed date or a date that updates
| Method | Updates? | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + ; | No, stays the same | Entry dates, bill dates, attendance |
| =TODAY() | Yes, every day | Due date calculations, age, days remaining |
| Ctrl + Shift + ; | No | Time a call or delivery arrived |
| =NOW() | Yes, with the time | Live dashboards |
Using TODAY() for a bill date is a common mistake: the date on every old bill changes the next day. Use the shortcut for anything that records when something happened.
Current date shortcut in Excel, step by step
- Click the cell where the date belongs.
- Press Ctrl + ;. Today's date appears in the format set by Windows, for example 01-11 or 1/11 with the year.
- Press Enter to confirm, or Space to add the time with Ctrl + Shift + ;.
- Change the look with Ctrl + 1, then Date, if you want a style such as 1 November.
The format follows the region setting in Windows. Indian settings show day before month; check it if your sheets go to people in other countries.
Fill dates quickly
Type one date, then drag the small square at the cell's corner down to continue the days. Right drag and choose Fill Months or Fill Weekdays for other steps. From the keyboard, select the start date and the empty cells below, then use Alt, H, F, I, S to open the Series box and choose a step. This builds attendance sheets and EMI schedules in seconds.
When the date shortcut does not work
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + ; does nothing | Keyboard layout may put ; elsewhere; switch to English layout |
| Date shows as ##### | The column is too narrow; AutoFit it |
| Wrong date appears | The computer's clock or time zone is wrong |
| Month and day swapped | Change the region format in Windows settings |
Date and time in Excel for Mac
Excel for Mac uses Control + ; for the date and Command + ; for the time. Column width fixes are in AutoFit column width, and formulas such as TODAY in Excel shortcut keys and formulas. More keys sit on the Excel shortcut keys page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the shortcut for date in Excel?
What is the time shortcut in Excel?
How do I insert date and time together?
Does the Ctrl + ; date change tomorrow?
No, it is fixed. Use =TODAY() for a date that updates.
How do I change the date format?
Press Ctrl + 1 and pick a Date style.