A Simple Timestamp Google Sheets Tutorial for 2023

Occasionally, you may need to keep track of work by using a timestamp. This simple record is a great way to illustrate precisely when activities were carried out.

Our straightforward timestamp Google Sheets tutorial reveals quick and easy hacks – so let’s get started!

Using Keyboard Shortcuts to Insert Timetamps in Google Sheets

To quickly insert a timestamp in one cell (or a few cells), you can use the below keyboard shortcuts.

Note: These keyboard shortcuts insert a static date and time value. If you make any changes in the worksheet – then close and reopen it – these date/time values won’t change.

Timestamp Shortcuts for Windows :

1. Insert the current date: Control + :
2. Insert the current time: Control + Shift + :
3. Insert the current date and time: Control + Alt + Shift + ;

Timestamp Shortcuts for Mac

1. Insert the current date: Command + :
2. Insert the current time: Command + Shift + :
3. Insert the current date and time: Command + Option + Shift + ;

Remember to convert the formula to value to ensure that the combined timestamp (with date and time) is a static value (hint: use Paste Special to do this).

Formulas to Insert Timestamps in Google Sheets

Several formulas can be used to insert timestamps in Google Sheets.

The following formulas are volatile. If the Sheets cell is changed, it will recalculate and update these formulas. For example, if you used the TODAY function in a cell and opened that Google Sheet document the following day, the formula would update to the current date.

If you want these to be static values, you can convert the formula (or use the keyboard shortcuts covered in the previous section).

Inserting Current Date

To insert the current date, use the below formula:

=TODAY()

Here’s how to use the formula:

1. Click on the cell you want to add a timestamp to.
2. Type = Today or select it from the formula suggestions.
3. Click Enter.

These formulas will be shown as a number. Users can format the results in several different formats. For example, if the date is 01-01-2032, it can be displayed as:

• 01 January 2032
• January 01, 2032
• 01/01/2032
• 01 Jan 2032

Inserting Current Date & Time

To insert the current date as well as the current time, use the below formula:

=NOW()

Here’s how to use the formula:

1. Click on the cell you want to add a timestamp to.
2. Type = Now or select it from the formula suggestions.
3. Click Enter.

Note: You can display the time in AM/PM format or military hour format.

Timestamp Google Sheets Script

While both keyboard shortcuts and formulas work well, these won’t automatically insert timestamps in Google Sheets.

Suppose you have a dataset where you’re tracking activities. You want a timestamp to be inserted as soon as an activity is added to a cell. This can be done with a simple Google Sheets script.

Note: The following code only works on Sheet1. It has also been created for entering the data in column A and receiving a timestamp in Column B.

To use a script that automatically adds timestamps in Google Sheets:

1. Open the Google Sheets document.
2. Click on Tools > Script Editor.

In the script editor code window, copy-paste the following code (credit for this script goes to Stackoverflow):

function onEdit() { var s = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet(); if( s.getName() == “Sheet1″ ) { //checks that we’re on Sheet1 or not var r = s.getActiveCell(); if( r.getColumn() == 1 ) { //checks that the cell being edited is in column A var nextCell = r.offset(0, 1); if( nextCell.getValue() === ” ) //checks if the adjacent cell is empty or not? nextCell.setValue(new Date()); } } }

3. Save the code by clicking on the Save icon in the toolbar. It may ask you to give it a name.

Now, when anything is added in any cell under Column A, a timestamp automatically appears in the adjacent cell in Column B. While this timestamp is static, it won’t change when you make any change in the worksheet.

Related reading: How to Add and Subtract Time in Google Sheets

Take Your Google Sheets Skills to the Next Level

We hope that our timestamp Google Sheets tutorial has been useful! If you’re looking to expand your knowledge of spreadsheets, we’ve got you covered:

• How to Insert Bullet Points in Google Sheets
• How to Insert Checkboxes in Google Sheets
• How to Determine Word Count in Google Sheets

Otherwise, why not consider joining one of Coursera’s thousands of accredited certification and degree courses? It’s one of the easiest ways to improve your knowledge and skills!