SharePoint Document Issues

How to Fix Incorrect DATEDIF Calculated Column Results in SharePoint

Maira Mehtab Sep 22, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users experience outdated or cached duration results when using the DATEDIF and TODAY() functions in SharePoint calculated columns.

Product: Microsoft SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking durations or days elapsed using calculated columns with dynamic date functions in a SharePoint list.
Observed behavior: Calculated column results display outdated values and only update when a record is manually opened and saved.

Before you start

Ensure you have the necessary permissions to edit SharePoint list columns and access to create Power Automate flows for your environment.

Solution 1Recommended

Use Power Automate to Update a Date Column Automatically

The most reliable long-term solution to ensure dynamic date formulas calculate correctly on a daily basis.

SharePoint calculates column formulas only when an item is created or modified. Using the TODAY() function directly in a calculated column will not update daily on its own.

Create a New Date Column

In your SharePoint list, create a standard 'Date and Time' column (Date Only) instead of relying entirely on TODAY() inside the formula.

Set Up a Scheduled Flow

Open Power Automate and create a new 'Scheduled cloud flow' set to run daily.

Retrieve SharePoint Items

Add the 'Get items' action to retrieve all records from your SharePoint list.

Update the Date Column

Add an 'Apply to each' loop to iterate through the items, using the 'Update item' action to set your newly created Date column to the current date using the utcNow() expression.

Modify the Calculated Formula

Go back to your SharePoint list settings and update your calculated column formula to reference this new Date column instead of the TODAY() function.

Solution 2

Manually Edit and Save Records

A quick workaround for updating a few items without setting up automation.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Your Data Seamlessly with WPS Office

While SharePoint lists are useful for web-based tracking, managing complex date calculations and dynamic datasets is often easier in a dedicated spreadsheet tool. WPS Office provides a powerful, free alternative to Microsoft Office, offering full compatibility with Excel files and flawless, real-time formula recalculations.

1. Export Your SharePoint List: Click 'Export to Excel' in your SharePoint list to download your data as an .xlsx or .iqy file.
2. Open with WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open the downloaded spreadsheet file to view your dataset.
3. Apply Dynamic Formulas: Use standard DATEDIF and TODAY() formulas within the spreadsheet; WPS will automatically recalculate them whenever the file is opened or edited.

Flawless handling of dynamic date formulas like DATEDIF and TODAY() with automatic recalculation.Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formats for seamless data migration.Lightweight, fast, and completely free to download.Familiar, easy-to-use interface with zero learning curve.

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't the TODAY() function update automatically in SharePoint?

SharePoint only triggers recalculations for calculated columns when a list item is created or modified. It does not run a continuous background timer to update dynamic functions like TODAY() every day.

Can I use JSON column formatting instead of calculated columns for DATEDIF?

Yes, JSON column formatting can dynamically calculate and display date differences relative to the current date using the @now token without needing an automated flow. However, this only changes the display on the screen, not the underlying data value.

Is the DATEDIF function officially supported in SharePoint calculated columns?

Yes, DATEDIF is a supported function in SharePoint, but its effectiveness is limited by SharePoint's save-based calculation triggers. For real-time daily updates, alternative methods like scheduled Power Automate flows are necessary.

Document & File Issues