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Why Microsoft Lists Calculated Columns Don't Recalculate Automatically
Question details
Users need to know why calculated columns in Microsoft Lists that rely on the TODAY() function fail to update automatically when the current date changes.
- Product
- Microsoft Lists
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Tracking dynamic dates such as deadlines or renewals using formulas like =([RENEWAL DATE])-TODAY() in a list.
- Observed behavior
- The calculated formula does not recalculate on a new day; it only updates when a user manually saves the column settings and refreshes the list.
Verify that your formula is correct by manually editing the column settings without making changes, saving, and refreshing the list to see if the calculation temporarily updates.
Escalate to Microsoft Support via Microsoft 365 Admin Center
Since this is a known behavioral issue with volatile functions in Microsoft Lists, opening a support ticket is required for the engineering team to investigate your tenant.
The TODAY() function in Microsoft Lists and SharePoint stores data statically. Unlike an Excel spreadsheet that recalculates volatile functions every time it is opened, Lists often require a physical item update to trigger a recalculation.
If your list completely fails to update daily despite correct formulas, Microsoft's support team needs to investigate the behavior using your environment's browser logs.
Reach out to your organization's Microsoft 365 administrator, as standard users do not have the required permissions to open support tickets directly.
Have the administrator log into the Microsoft 365 admin center at admin.microsoft.com.
In the left navigation pane of the admin center, click on 'Support', and then select 'Help & support'.
Describe the specific issue with the TODAY() calculated column failing to recalculate automatically, and submit the ticket so the Microsoft team can pull diagnostic logs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the TODAY() function work in Excel but not reliably in Microsoft Lists?
Excel continuously recalculates volatile functions like TODAY() whenever a spreadsheet is opened or modified. Microsoft Lists is built on SharePoint architecture, which stores data statically. It typically requires an item's properties to be changed and saved to trigger a column recalculation.
Is there a workaround to force a daily update on Microsoft Lists calculated columns?
Yes, a common workaround is to use Power Automate. You can create a scheduled cloud flow that runs every night to update a hidden dummy column on your list items. Modifying this dummy field forces the item to refresh, which in turn recalculates the TODAY() column.
How do I manually refresh a calculated column in Microsoft Lists?
To manually trigger a recalculation, go to your List settings, click on the calculated column to edit it, make no changes, and simply click 'OK'. This action forces SharePoint to recalculate the formula for all items in that list.
