5 Ways To Add Timestamp In Excel Based On Another Cell

Adding a timestamp in Excel can be a useful feature for tracking changes, updates, or records. There are several ways to add a timestamp in Excel based on another cell, and we will explore five of these methods.

Method 1: Using the NOW Function

The NOW function in Excel returns the current date and time. You can use this function to add a timestamp based on another cell. Here's how:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the timestamp.
2. Type =NOW() and press Enter.
3. To make the timestamp update automatically based on another cell, use the IF function. For example, =IF(A1>0,NOW(),""), where A1 is the cell that triggers the timestamp.

This method will update the timestamp every time the worksheet is calculated, which can be beneficial for tracking changes in real-time.

Method 2: Using VBA Macros

VBA macros can be used to create a timestamp that updates automatically based on another cell. Here's how:

1. Press Alt + F11 to open the VBA editor.
2. In the editor, click Insert > Module to create a new module.
3. Paste the following code: Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range) If Target.Address = "$A$1" Then Range("B1").Value = Now End If End Sub, where A1 is the cell that triggers the timestamp and B1 is the cell that displays the timestamp.
4. Click File > Save to save the workbook.

This method requires basic VBA knowledge and can be more complex to set up, but it provides more flexibility and control over the timestamp.

Method 3: Using the TODAY Function with the IF Function

The TODAY function in Excel returns the current date. You can use this function with the IF function to add a timestamp based on another cell. Here's how:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the timestamp.
2. Type =IF(A1>0,TODAY(),""), where A1 is the cell that triggers the timestamp.
3. To include the time, use the NOW function instead: =IF(A1>0,NOW(),"").

This method will update the timestamp every time the worksheet is calculated, but it will not update in real-time like the first method.

Method 4: Using the IF Function with the TODAY Function and the TIME Function

The TIME function in Excel returns the current time. You can use this function with the IF function and the TODAY function to add a timestamp based on another cell. Here's how:

1. Select the cell where you want to display the timestamp.
2. Type =IF(A1>0,TODAY()+" "+TIME(HOUR(NOW()),MINUTE(NOW()),SECOND(NOW())),""), where A1 is the cell that triggers the timestamp.

This method will update the timestamp every time the worksheet is calculated and includes both the date and time.

Method 5: Using Power Automate (formerly Microsoft Flow)

Power Automate is a cloud-based workflow automation tool that can be used to create a timestamp in Excel based on another cell. Here's how:

1. Create a new flow in Power Automate.
2. Add a trigger, such as "When a cell is updated" in Excel.
3. Add an action, such as "Create a timestamp" in Excel.
4. Configure the action to update the timestamp cell based on the trigger cell.

This method requires a Power Automate subscription and basic knowledge of workflow automation, but it provides a flexible and scalable solution for creating timestamps in Excel.

Gallery of Excel Timestamps

We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information to add a timestamp in Excel based on another cell. Whether you use a formula, VBA macro, or Power Automate, there are many ways to create a timestamp that meets your needs.