Calculation Issues

Fix Microsoft Lists Calculated Column TODAY() Not Updating

Khadija Khan Oct 9, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users need a way to make calculated columns that use the TODAY() function refresh automatically every day in Microsoft Lists and SharePoint.

How to Fix Microsoft Lists Calculated Column Not Updating Automatically

Product: Microsoft Lists / SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Tracking daily dates, aging reports, or deadlines using the TODAY() function in a calculated column.
Observed behavior: The calculated column value remains static and only recalculates when the specific list item is manually edited, leading to outdated date values and inconsistent text formatting.

Before you start

Verify that your Microsoft List uses a standard calculated column for dates. Keep in mind that SharePoint and Microsoft Lists process formulas differently than traditional spreadsheet software.

Solution 1Recommended

Use a Scheduled Power Automate Flow for Daily Updates

Create a daily scheduled cloud flow to automatically update items, forcing the calculated column to recalculate the TODAY() function.

Since Microsoft Lists only calculates formulas when an item is created or modified, the most reliable way to refresh the TODAY() function is to automate a daily modification using Power Automate. This process updates the items in the background without requiring user intervention.

Create a Scheduled Flow

Open Power Automate, click on 'Create', and select 'Scheduled cloud flow'. Set the flow to repeat every 1 day.

Get List Items

Add a new action and search for 'Get items' (SharePoint). Select your Site Address and the specific List Name where the calculated column resides.

Update Items to Trigger Recalculation

Add an 'Apply to each' control, using the 'value' from the 'Get items' step. Inside the loop, add an 'Update item' action. Map the required fields to their existing dynamic content values. This dummy update will trigger SharePoint to recalculate the TODAY() formula.

Use a Scheduled Power Automate Flow for Daily Updates

Formatting Tip: To prevent inconsistent date formats after recalculation, wrap your formula in a TEXT function, such as =TEXT(TODAY(),"mm/dd/yyyy").

Solution 2

Manually Edit List Items to Force Recalculation

A simple manual workaround for smaller lists to force the calculated column to update to the current date.

Free Microsoft Office alternative

Manage Data Dynamically with WPS Spreadsheet

Tired of dealing with complex workflows just to get today's date to update? WPS Office provides a robust, traditional spreadsheet environment where functions like TODAY() and NOW() update automatically upon opening or recalculating, requiring no external automation tools.

1. Export Your List: Click 'Export to Excel' in your Microsoft List to download your data as a CSV or Excel file.
2. Open in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open your exported file to continue working with your data.
3. Apply Dynamic Formulas: Use the =TODAY() function normally; WPS Spreadsheet will automatically refresh the date every time you open the document.

Dynamic TODAY() and NOW() functions that update automatically without workaroundsSeamless and complete compatibility with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) file formatsLightweight, fast, and completely free to useFamiliar user interface ensuring zero learning curve for seamless migration

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does TODAY() work dynamically in Excel but not in Microsoft Lists?

In spreadsheet applications like Excel, TODAY() is a volatile function that recalculates every time the workbook recalculates or opens. In Microsoft Lists and SharePoint, calculating values dynamically on the server for every view would consume too many resources, so calculations only occur when an item is explicitly created or updated.

Can I use JSON column formatting instead of a calculated column for today's date?

Yes. If you only need to display today's date or conditionally format rows based on the current date, you can use SharePoint JSON column formatting. By referencing the '@now' token in your JSON code, the view will dynamically render the current date without needing to update the backend list item.

How do I fix inconsistent text formatting when using TODAY() in calculations?

Calculated columns can sometimes return raw serial numbers or unexpected formats. To fix this, wrap your formula in a TEXT function to strictly define the output. For example, use the formula =TEXT(TODAY(), "mm/dd/yyyy") to ensure the date always renders consistently regardless of system regional settings.

Excel & Data Problems