Compact mode
COLUMN vs NOW vs TODAY
Table of content
Basic Classification Comparison
Function Category 📊
Primary classification of the Excel function based on its main purpose and usage domain, helps users quickly identify function typesCOLUMN- Lookup & ReferenceCOLUMN belongs to the Lookup & Reference category. Excel functions for searching and referencing data across spreadsheets
NOWTODAYOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*- InformationFunctions that focus on retrieving and displaying data in various formats
Usage Context Comparison
For whom 👥
Target user groups who would benefit most from using this Excel functionCOLUMN- Data AnalystsCOLUMN is designed for Data Analysts. Excel functions specifically designed for data analysis and interpretation Click to see all.
- ProgrammersCOLUMN is designed for Programmers. Excel functions useful for programming and automation tasks Click to see all.
NOW- Administrative StaffNOW is designed for Administrative Staff. Excel functions useful for administrative tasks and data management Click to see all.
- Business ManagersNOW is designed for Business Managers. Excel functions helpful for business management and decision making Click to see all.
TODAY
Basic Information Comparison
Known For ⭐
Distinctive characteristic or primary strength of the Excel functionCOLUMN- Column Number RetrievalCOLUMN is known for Column Number Retrieval.
NOW- Current Date And Time RetrievalNOW is known for Current Date And Time Retrieval.
TODAY- Current Date ReturnTODAY is known for Current Date Return.
History Comparison
Facts Comparison
Interesting Fact 💡
Unique or lesser-known information about the Excel functionCOLUMN- Essential for column calculations
NOW- Updates approximately 86400 times per day
TODAY- Updates even when you don't want it to
Sarcastic Fact 🤣
Humorous or ironic observation about the Excel functionCOLUMN- The vertical cousin of ROW function
NOW- The function that never lets you forget you're late
TODAY- The function that never lies about its age
Usage Information Comparison
Formula Complexity Level 📖
Indicates the difficulty level and complexity of using the Excel function effectivelyFor all*
Technical Details Comparison
Input Data Type 📝
Types of data that the Excel function accepts as input parametersCOLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input data. Excel functions that operate on cell ranges and data sets
NOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
TODAY- DateTODAY accepts Date as input data. Excel functions for working with dates and time values
Version Compatibility 💻
Indicates which Excel versions and platforms the function is compatible with < including Office 365< Excel 2019< 2016< etc.For all*- Excel 2019Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2019 version
- Excel 2016Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2016 version
COLUMN- Excel 2013COLUMN is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
NOW- Excel 2013NOW is compatible with Excel 2013 Excel functions that work specifically in Excel 2013 version
Operating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*- WindowsExcel functions optimized for Windows operating system
- MacOSExcel functions optimized for MacOS users
- Web ExcelExcel functions available in web-based versions
Required Arguments Count 🔢
Number of mandatory arguments needed for the function to work properlyFor all*Required Arguments Type 📊
The data types accepted as valid input arguments for the functionCOLUMN- RangeCOLUMN accepts Range as input types Excel functions that operate on cell ranges for calculations
NOW- DateNOW accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
TODAY- DateTODAY accepts Date as input types Excel functions specialized in processing date and time calculations
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionFor all*- No Arguments NeededExcel functions that work without arguments provide quick results with minimal setup
COLUMN- Consistent Results
NOW- Updates Automatically
TODAY- Auto-Updates
Cons ❌
Limitations and potential drawbacks of the Excel functionCOLUMN- Limited FunctionalityFunctions with restricted capabilities, reducing problem-solving options Click to see all.
- Basic Output
NOW- Updates With Every Calculation
- Can Slow Spreadsheets
TODAY- Updates Only On Calculation
- Limited Use
Ratings Comparison
Alternatives to COLUMN
WEEKDAY
Known for Day Of Week Determination
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
📈
is more versatile than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
DAYS
Known for Calculate Days Between Dates
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
WEEKNUM
Known for Week Number Calculation
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
YEAR
Known for Year Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
🛠
is more reliable than NOW
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
🛠
is more reliable than NOW
DAY
Known for Day Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
🛠
is more reliable than NOW
NETWORKDAYS
Known for Calculate Working Days
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
📈
is more versatile than NOW
ROW
Known for Row Number Retrieval
⚙
performs better than NOW
🛠
is more reliable than NOW
⭐
is rated higher than NOW
LEFT
Known for Text Extraction
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW
MOD
Known for Division Remainder Calculations
🔢
needs fewer arguments than NOW
⚙
performs better than NOW