In the world of spreadsheets, accuracy and efficiency are paramount. Whether you’re tracking project timelines, financial transactions, or any other type of data, having precise date information is crucial.
So learning how to insert dates in Google Sheets quickly can significantly enhance your productivity. Fortunately, this spreadsheet offers several options, which we will explore in this post.
Keep reading to learn more.
Different Ways to Insert Date in Google Sheets
Below, we highlight some of the options you have to insert a date in Google Sheets.
Method 1: Manually Insert Date in Google Sheets
Setting a date manually involves inputting it by typing it in the required cell. While this method is straightforward, it can become tedious, especially when dealing with large datasets.
You must also keep in mind the proper date format (e.g., mm/dd/yyyy or dd-mm-yyyy) to maintain consistency throughout your spreadsheet. Additionally, manual entry is susceptible to errors and can be time-consuming when dealing with numerous dates.
However, it’s the most convenient way to quickly insert a date in Google Sheets. Below we highlight the steps to manually insert a date in your Google Sheets.
Step 1: Select a Cell
Click the cell you want to input your date to activate it; in our case, this will be cell A1. Once the cell is active, it should have a blue border around it, meaning you’re ready to start typing.
Step 2: Type the Date
Once the cell is highlighted, type in the desired date using your desired format. For our example, we’ve used the American format.
Step 3: Press Enter
Once you press enter, your date should be set, and the active cell should jump to the next one so you can continue working.
Method 2: Using the Today Function to Insert Today’s Date in Google Sheets
If manually typing in your dates is cumbersome and a bit too traditional for you, the Today function allows you to generate the current date into a Google Sheets cell automatically. This function is particularly useful for tracking when data was entered or creating dynamic date-related calculations.
Keep in mind that the Today function updates every time the spreadsheet recalculates, which may not be suitable for all scenarios. Below are the steps to employing the function.
Step 1: Select a Cell
Pick the cell you want to input your date and click it to activate it, which in our example will be cell B1. Once the cell is activated, it should be ready to type.
Step 2: Input the Formula
Type in this formula: =TODAY().
Step 3: Press Enter
Once you press enter, the current date should automatically fill the cell, as seen below.
One of the benefits of using the Today function to insert date in Google Sheets is that you never have to worry about making a mistake as you would when manually typing in the date.
Method 3: Using the Date Function to Insert Date in Google Sheets
The Date function is another variation of Google Sheets functions that allow you to insert dates in your documents automatically. It’s almost similar to the Today function but varies a bit, as seen in our example below.
Step 1: Select a Cell
Select the cell you want to input your date in. In this instance, this will be cell C1, but you should note this can be any cell you’re working on.
Step 2: Input Formula
Here is the Date formula to input the current date in your Google Sheets: =DATE(2023,8,17).
Step 3: Press Enter
Once you press enter, the date should be set in the cell, as seen below.
Method 4: Using the Format Option
Google Sheets also lets you quickly insert a date using the Function option in the top menu bar. This method involves a few more steps than other methods, but it’s an excellent way to limit making mistakes with your dates.
Below we look at the steps to quickly insert a date in Google Sheets using the Format option.
Step 1: Pick a Cell
As with every other method, pick the cell you want to input your date and click it to highlight it. For this demonstration, this will be cell D1 and type in a random number.
Step 2: Go to Format > Numbers > Date
Click Format on the top menu bar and hover your cursor on the Number option. A secondary menu option should appear.
Move your cursor to the new menu option, navigate to the Date option, and click it. A random date should autofill your selected cell, as seen below.
Step 3: Change the Date
As you can see in the screenshot above, the date is incorrect, and you will need to change it to the current date. To change the date, double-click on the active cell with the incorrect date. A calendar should appear below the cell.
Use the arrows on the top right side of the calendar to navigate to the current date.
Step 4: Press Enter
After setting the correct date, press enter to insert the date in the Google Sheets cell.
Method 4: Using Custom Date Format
The custom date function is another menu option to insert a date on Google Sheets. Unlike the other methods we’ve looked at, the custom date format allows you to customize how you display your date.
Furthermore, the custom format allows you even to include the time of the recording, as well as spell out the dates instead of using numbers. Below we look at the steps of quickly inserting a date in Google Sheets using the custom date format.
Step 1: Pick a Cell
Highlight the cell you want to display your date on by clicking on it. In our case, this will be cell E1 and type in a random number. The number allows the function to operate properly. Doing the rest of the steps requires typing a number in the cell to work.
Step 2: Go to Format > Number > Custom Date and Time
Go to the menu bar on top of your Google Sheets document and click Format. A new pop-up menu will appear at the bottom.
Hover your cursor on the Number option to reveal a new secondary menu option, and navigate to the Custom date and time option.
Then click on the option, and a new dialog box will appear.
Step 3: Pick Your Preferred Date Format
Use the up and down arrows on the right side of each option to select how you would like that particular part of the date displayed. Using the day option as our example, you can see that some options are to have the day section of the date with or without leading zeros or using the full or abbreviated name.
Pick your preferred format, select it, and press apply. The date should populate the cell, but it will be incorrect, as shown below.
Step 4: Fix the Date
Double-click on the wrong date to reveal a calendar at the bottom of the cell.
As with our previous example, use the arrows on the top right of the calendar to navigate to the current date.
Step 5: Press Enter
Once you have the right date, press enter to populate the cell. As you can see below, your custom date will appear as you set it.
Conclusion
Efficient date entry is an essential skill you need when working with Google Sheets. However, even when inserting a date might seem simple and mundane, it’s in your best interest to learn all the various ways and how they can help you achieve different results.
Mastering the various methods outlined in this post can save time, reduce errors, and ensure accurate date tracking in your spreadsheets. Choose the methods that align with your workflow and empower yourself to become a proficient date manager in Google Sheets.
With these techniques at your disposal, you’ll be better equipped to handle data analysis, planning, and decision-making confidently. Do you know any other way to quickly insert a date in Google Sheets? Let us know in the comments section below.
FAQs
Can I change the default date format in Google Sheets?
You can customize the date format in Google Sheets. To do this, select the cells with dates, then go to Format > Number > More Formats > More Date and Time Formats. Here, you can choose from various date formats or create a custom format to suit your preferences.
How do I prevent the Today function from updating automatically?
The Today function updates every time the spreadsheet recalculates. If you want to freeze the date value, you can use a workaround. Copy the cell containing the Today function, then Paste Special as values (Edit > Paste special > Paste values only). This action will replace the formula with the current date value.
What’s the best way to choose the right date insertion method for my needs?
The ideal method depends on your specific requirements and workflow. Consider factors like the frequency of date entry, the need for automation, and the required precision level. Experiment with different methods and combinations to find the approach that maximizes your efficiency and accuracy.
Is there a way to calculate the difference between two dates in Google Sheets?
You can calculate the difference between two dates using the Datedif function or simple subtraction.