Quickly Entering Dates and Times

Summary: Excel provides keyboard shortcuts for a variety of purposes. This tip examines two such shortcuts, designed to allow entering times and dates quickly. (This tip works with Microsoft Excel 97, Excel 2000, Excel 2002, Excel 2003, and Excel 2007.)

If you are looking for a quick way to enter the current date or time into a cell, Excel provides an excellent shortcut. To enter the current date, just select a cell and press Ctrl+; (that's the semicolon). Closely akin to that is entering the time, which is done by using Ctrl+: (that's the colon).

These shortcuts work even when you are entering formulas. For instance, let's say you wanted to have today's date as a string (within quote marks) in a formula. All you need to do is enter your formula, up to the first quote mark. Then type Ctrl+; and the date appears in the formula. Type your closing quote mark, and you can continue with your formula.

ExcelTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Excel training. This tip (2178) applies to Microsoft Excel versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Quickly Entering Dates and Times