SharePoint Document Issues

Fix TODAY Function Not Refreshing in SharePoint Calculated Columns

Maira Mehtab Sep 27, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users notice that the TODAY function used in SharePoint Online calculated columns fails to update automatically to the current date on a daily basis.

Product: SharePoint Online
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the TODAY function in a calculated column to track or display the current date dynamically.
Observed behavior: The displayed date remains static and only recalculates when the specific SharePoint list item is manually edited or updated.

Before you start

Verify that you have the necessary permissions to edit list settings and create Power Automate flows within your SharePoint environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Update a Date Column

Since SharePoint calculated columns do not dynamically refresh the TODAY function, using a scheduled Power Automate flow to update a standard date column is the most reliable workaround.

By product design, SharePoint only recalculates formulas when an item is created or updated. To get a dynamically updating current date, you must bypass calculated columns and use a standard Date/Time column updated by a daily automated flow.

Create a Standard Date Column

In your SharePoint list, create a standard 'Date and Time' column instead of a calculated column to hold your dynamic date.

Create a Scheduled Flow

Go to Power Automate and create a new 'Scheduled cloud flow'. Set the recurrence to run once every day.

Retrieve List Items

Add the 'Get items' action and point it to your SharePoint site and specific list to retrieve the data.

Update Items Loop

Add an 'Apply to each' control block, passing the value from 'Get items'. Inside the loop, add an 'Update item' action.

Apply Current Date

In the 'Update item' action, map your mandatory fields and set your target Date column to the expression `utcNow()`. Save and test the flow.

List Size Consideration: Running a daily loop on very large lists (over 5000 items) may take considerable time and could hit API limits. Consider filtering your 'Get items' query to only target active rows.

Solution 2

Set TODAY as a Default Column Value

If you only need to record the current date exactly when an item is first created, you can set TODAY as the default value on a standard date column.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Need a simpler way to manage date formulas? Try WPS Office

While SharePoint has strict limitations regarding dynamic date calculations like the TODAY function, managing complex datasets and date-based formulas is often much simpler in a dedicated spreadsheet environment. WPS Office provides a lightweight, highly compatible alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring your formulas work perfectly offline and in the cloud.

1. Download and Install: Visit the official WPS website to download and install WPS Office on your device.
2. Open Your Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Spreadsheet and open your existing Excel data or create a new workbook.
3. Use Dynamic Formulas: Simply type `=TODAY()` into any cell. The date will automatically refresh every time you open the document or recalculate the sheet.

Dynamic formulas like =TODAY() recalculate instantly upon opening.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats and functions.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to use across Windows, Mac, and Linux.Familiar ribbon interface ensures a zero-learning-curve transition.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the TODAY function work fine in Excel but not in SharePoint calculated columns?

Excel is designed to recalculate formulas dynamically whenever a file is opened or edited. SharePoint calculated columns operate differently; they only trigger a recalculation event at the database level when that specific list item is modified or originally created.

Can I use the [Today] variable in SharePoint list views instead?

Yes. While the `[Today]` variable does not work inside calculated columns, you can successfully use it in SharePoint List View filters. For example, you can set a view to only show items where the 'Due Date' is less than `[Today]`.

Is there any formula trick to force a SharePoint calculated column to update daily?

No, there is no built-in formula, column setting, or trick in SharePoint that forces a daily refresh of a calculated column. The only native way to achieve automated daily updates is by setting up a scheduled workflow via Power Automate.

Document & File Issues