Insert Dynamic Date and Time with Microsoft Excel Shortcuts

Instantly insert current date and time in Excel

Need the current date and/or time entered into the spreadsheet quickly? From project updates to transaction logs, to time-stamping form entries, Microsoft Excel shortcuts and formulas enable you to enter static or dynamic date-and-time-value entries within seconds.

This tutorial elaborates upon the many ways of inserting, formatting, and automating date and time entries in Excel, great for saving time and ensuring accuracy.

⌨️ Useful Excel Shortcuts: Date and Time

Insert Current Date (Static)

• Windows: Ctrl + ;
• Mac: ⌘ + ;

Inserts today's date as a fixed value that remains static while reopening the file.

Insert Current Time (Static)

• Windows: Ctrl + Shift + ;
• Mac: ⌘ + Shift + ;

Enters the current system time into the active cell and remains unchanged unless manually updated.

Insert Date and Time Together

Use both shortcuts in succession:

• Ctrl + ; then Space then Ctrl + Shift + ;

🕒 Use Formulas for Dynamic Date and Time

If you want it to update automatically, use Microsoft Excel's functions:

Current Date (Dynamic)

=TODAY()

Returns the current date. Updates every day when the workbook opens.

Current Date and Time (Dynamic)

=NOW()

Returns the current date and time. Ideal for live logs, dashboards, or auto-refresh models.

🧠 Static or Dynamic Entries: Which Do You Prefer?

🧰 Pro Tips for Working with Date and Time in Excel

• Format the cells containing dates and times with Custom Date/Time Format (Right-click > Format Cells)
• Generate formatted dynamic timestamps with formulas, e.g., =TEXT(NOW(),"dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm AM/PM")
• Mix with IF or IFERROR to handle empty cells or defaults
• Use with Data Validation and Form Controls to build interactive dashboards

🛠 Sample: Log Entry with Dynamic Timestamp

Use these for real-time tracking of the action or for building an automated time log.

Whether you are managing a budget sheet, building a time-tracker, or just keeping audit logs, these date and time shortcuts and formulas in Excel will help you perform quicker and smarter.

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