The Date and Timestamp are something that differs in every region of the world. This type of data consists of characters as well as encoded data. Also, this kind of data uses different languages. However, you always have to keep track of time and date to maintain the record.
Here you will get to know how to timestamp in Excel automatically. For this, you can choose multiple approaches given below. So, let’s get started!
How to Timestamp in Excel using Formulas?
In this method, we will use the NOW() and TODAY() functions that let you add the current date and time. Whenever you make changes to the worksheet, the date and time will update by default.
In this procedure the functions are used NOW() and TODAY():
NOW(): It is used to add the current date and time.
TODAY(): It is used to add the current date.
Below are some steps you have to follow to complete this method:
- Select the cell that needed to add the current date and time.
- Now put the functions NOW() or TODAY().
- Press the ENTER key and you will see the current date-time or date is added in the selected cell.
How to Timestamp in Excel using Keyboard Shortcut?
In case when you have to add a date and timestamp in a few cells, you can do it easily with keyboard shortcuts. Below is the keyboard shortcut that let you add the current date in Excel:
CTRL + :
Press and hold down the CTRL key and press the colon key.
Follow the steps:
- Choose the cell that needed to add a timestamp.
- Use the keyboard shortcut CTRL +:
- After this step, you will see the current date is added instantly.
Below are some important points that you have to consider:
- Using the above shortcut will add the current date only.
- It is super easy to use only when you need to enter the current date and not the time.
- It matches the current date from the clock of your system.
- When the date is added to the cell, you can apply any date format. For this, open the “Number Format” drop-down from the ribbon and choose the date format you want to apply.
This method is not a dynamic approach that’s why once you make changes and save it, the next time you will not have to redo everything. It will save the values permanently. This method will add the current date only, that’s why you have to make more effort to add a timestamp:
CTRL + Shift + :
Using this keyboard shortcut will instantly add the current time in the cell.
When you need to add the current date and time stamp, keep in mind that you must use two different cells. One cell is used for the date and the other for the timestamp.
How to Timestamp in Excel using NOW Function?
This approach is simply dynamic. It uses the function NOW to add the timestamp to your worksheet. Entering this function in the cell returns the current date and time as per the settings of the system.
By default the date and time format when using the NOW function is mm/dd/yyy hh: mm. on the other hand, for any reason when you have to make changes in the format, you have to use the custom format option.
- Choose the cell and press the shortcut key CTRL + 1.
- Now click on the “Custom” option and add “mm/dd/yyyy hh: mm” in the field box.
- Click OK.
When you only want to add a date, you can use the TODAY function rather than using NOW.
How to Find Timestamp using Circular Reference?
Circular Reference is an entirely different approach used to help you add timestamps in Excel. Before starting the procedure, let’s understand what is circular reference. Suppose in cell A1 you have a value of 5 and in cell B1 you have a value of 10.
If you add the formula = A1 + B1 + C1 in cell C1, you will see the circular reference error.
You are facing this error because cell C1 is being used as a reference in cell C1. In the cell, you will see a non-ending loop when this error happens.
Excel will not calculate the circular reference and the non-ending loop will not start.
Final Thoughts
In this post, you have learned how to add a timestamp in Excel. You can choose any approach mentioned above. Keep learning new skills and continue practicing.
