How do I lock a date in Excel with today function so it does not change when I open file on a new day?

One way that may work for you is to use a circular reference and enable iterative calculation.

  1. In Options select the Formulas tab and tick the Enable iterative calculation option.
  2. In cell B1 enter the formula: =IF(A1<>””,IF(B1=””,TODAY(),B1),””) (it will return a blank)
  3. Format the cell as a date.

How do you make Formulas not automatically update in Excel?

Excel 2003 – Click Tools > Options > Calculation > Calculation > Automatic. In Excel 2007 – Click Office button > Excel options > Formulas > Workbook Calculation > Automatic. Excel 2010, 2013, & 2016 – Go to File > Options > Formulas > Calculation options section > under workbook calculation > choose Automatic.

Does the today function in Excel update?

The TODAY function returns the current date, and will continually update each time the worksheet is updated. Use F9 to force the worksheet to recalculate and update the value.

How do I freeze today in Excel?

Re: Freeze =TODAY This way you just need to press F9 inside that cell to “freeze” the function.

How do I make today static in Excel?

Insert a static date or time into an Excel cell

  1. To insert the current date, press Ctrl+; (semi-colon).
  2. To insert the current time, press Ctrl+Shift+; (semi-colon).
  3. To insert the current date and time, press Ctrl+; (semi-colon), then press Space, and then press Ctrl+Shift+; (semi-colon).

How do I make today static?

Select the cell with the Today formula and Copy -> Paste Special -> Values. or Click in the required cell and use Ctrl and semicolon to enter todays date and it will be static.

What is an iterative calculation?

Iterative calculations are repeated calculations until a specific numeric condition is met. Iterative calculations help Excel find the solution to formulas by performing the same calculation repeatedly using previous results.

Does today function automatically update?

To enter today’s date in Excel, use the TODAY function. Note: the TODAY function takes no arguments. This date will update automatically when you open the workbook on another date.

Does today’s formula change everyday?

TODAY() is a volatile function, which means that it updates itself continuously every time a worksheet is opened or changed. If a TODAY formula does not update automatically, most likely automatic recalculation is turned off in your workbook.

How do I create a permanent timestamp in Excel?

Insert Date and Timestamp Using NOW Function

  1. Right-click on the cell and select ‘Format cells’.
  2. In the Format Cells dialog box, select ‘Custom’ category in the Number tab.
  3. In the Type field, enter dd-mm-yyyy hh:mm:ss.
  4. Click OK.