How to Insert Timestamp in Excel When Cell Changes (2 Effective Ways)

Last updated: Dec 20, 2023

This article illustrates how to timestamp in Excel when a cell changes. You may need to keep track of data entries in the cells of a particular column. For example, you have reserved column B to input data. Now you want the timestamp in an adjacent cell in column C when a cell is updated in column B. This article will help you to do that in 2 effective ways.

How to Insert Timestamp in Excel When Cell Changes: 2 Ways

1. Use IF, AND, NOW and Other Functions to Insert Timestamp in Excel

Follow the steps below to get a timestamp using formulas when a cell changes.

📌 Steps

First press ALT+F+T to open Excel Options. Then go to the Formulas tab. Next, check the Enable iterative calculation checkbox. Then, set the Maximum Iterations to 1. After that, click OK.

Now, enter the following formula in cell C5. Then, use the Fill Handle icon to copy the formula to the cells below.

=IF(AND(B5<>"",D5<>B5),NOW(),IF(B5="","",C5))

Then, enter the following formula in cell D5. Next drag the Fill Handle icon to the cells below as earlier.

=IF(B5="","",IF(OR(C5="",AND(ISNUMBER(D5),B5=D5)),D5,B5))

Now, start entering values in the cells in column B. After that, you will get the following result. Here, column D is a helper column. You can hide it by right-clicking after selecting the column.

Alternatively, you can just enter the following formula in cell C5 to get the same result.

=IF(B5<>"",IF(C5="",NOW(),C5),"")

You may need to change the formatting of the cells in column C. Select the column by clicking the column number at the top. Then press CTRL+1 to open the Format Cells dialog box. Now, click on the Custom number format. Next, enter d-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss AM/PM in the Type field. Finally, click OK.

Formula Breakdown:

Formula in Cell C5:

➤ IF(B5=””,””,C5))
The IF function returns nothing if cell B5 is empty. Otherwise, returns the same value stored in C5.

➤ NOW()
The NOW function returns the current date and time.

➤ AND(B5<>””,D5<>B5)
The AND function returns TRUE if both arguments are true i.e cell B5 is not empty and cells B5 and D5 do not have the same value.

➤ IF(AND(B5<>””,D5<>B5),NOW(),IF(B5=””,””,C5))
If the AND function returns TRUE, then the IF function returns the current date and time obtained from the NOW function. Otherwise, it returns the result obtained from the argument containing the IF function.

Formula in Cell D5:

➤ ISNUMBER(D5)
The ISNUMBER function returns TRUE if cell D5 contains a number. Otherwise, it returns False.

➤ AND(ISNUMBER(D5),B5=D5)
The AND function returns TRUE if cell D5 contains a number and cells B5 and D5 have the same value. It returns FALSE otherwise.

➤ OR(C5=””,AND(ISNUMBER(D5),B5=D5))
The OR function returns TRUE if any one of the arguments is true i.e cell C5 is empty or the AND function returns TRUE. It returns FALSE if all of the arguments are false.

➤ IF(OR(C5=””,AND(ISNUMBER(D5),B5=D5)),D5,B5)
The IF function returns the same value stored in cell D5 if the OR function returns TRUE. Otherwise, it returns the value of cell B5.

➤ IF(B5=””,””,IF(OR(C5=””,AND(ISNUMBER(D5),B5=D5)),D5,B5))
The IF function returns nothing if cell B5 is empty. Otherwise, it returns the result obtained from the argument containing the IF function.

2. Apply VBA Code to Insert Timestamp in Excel When Cell Changes

You can also get a timestamp in Excel when a cell changes using VBA. Follow the steps below to be able to do that.

📌 Steps

First, right-click on the target worksheet tab. Then, select View Code. This will open the code module for that particular worksheet.

Next, copy the following code using the copy button in the upper right corner.

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
Dim CellCol, TimeCol, Row, Col As Integer
Dim DpRng, Rng As Range
CellCol = 2
TimeCol = 3
Row = Target.Row
Col = Target.Column
If Row <= 4 Then Exit Sub
Timestamp = Format(Now, "DD-MM-YYYY HH:MM:SS AM/PM")
If Target.Text <> "" Then
If Col = CellCol Then
Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
Else
On Error Resume Next
Set DpRng = Target.Dependents
For Each Rng In DpRng
If Rng.Column = CellCol Then
Cells(Rng.Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
End If
Next
End If
End If
End Sub

After that, paste the copied code on the blank module as shown below.

Next, save the document as a macro-enabled workbook. Now, start entering data in the cells in column B. Then you will get the same results as earlier.

VBA Code Explanation:

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
We will write the code inside this private subprocedure. The code will only affect the particular worksheet.

Dim CellCol, TimeCol, Row, Col As Integer
Dim DpRng, Rng As Range
Declaring necessary variables.

CellCol = 2
Data entry column.

TimeCol = 3
Timestamp column.

Row = Target.Row
Col = Target.Column
Storing the row and column numbers of the selected cell.

If Row <= 4 Then Exit Sub
Any changes within the top 4 rows won’t create a timestamp.

Timestamp = Format(Now, “DD-MM-YYYY HH:MM:SS AM/PM”)
The timestamp will be formatted this way. Change it as required.

If Target.Text <> “” Then
If Col = CellCol Then
Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
Create a timestamp if the selected cell is empty.

On Error Resume Next
Ignores any error if occurs.

Set DpRng = Target.Dependents
For Each Rng In DpRng
If Rng.Column = CellCol Then
Cells(Rng.Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
Create timestamps for a range of cells if not empty.

Things to Remember

You need to use a custom format for the cells in column B to get a properly formatted timestamp.
The alternate formula only works when data is entered in blank cells.
Here, the data entry and the timestamp column are hard coded in the VBA code. You need to modify the code based on your dataset.

Download Practice Workbook

You can download the practice workbook from the download button below.

Timestamp in Excel.xlsm

Conclusion

Now you know how to timestamp in Excel when a cell changes. Do you have any further queries or suggestions? Please use the comment section below for that. Stay with us and keep learning.

<< Go Back to Timestamp | Date-Time in Excel | Learn Excel

Get FREE Advanced Excel Exercises with Solutions!

Option Explicit Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range) Dim CellRow, TimeRow, Row, Col As Integer Dim DpRng, Rng As Range Dim Timestamp As Variant CellRow = 8 TimeRow = 9 Row = Target.Row Col = Target.Column If Row <= 7 Then Exit Sub Timestamp = Format(Now(), "dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss AM/PM") If Target.Text <> "" Then If Row = CellRow Then Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp Else On Error Resume Next Set DpRng = Target.Dependents For Each Rng In DpRng If Rng.Row = CellRow Then Cells(Rng.Row, TimeRow) = Timestamp End If Next End If End If End Sub

Option Explicit Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range) Dim CellRow, CellRow1, TimeRow, Row, Col As Integer Dim DpRng, Rng As Range Dim Timestamp As Variant CellRow1 = 7 CellRow = 8 TimeRow = 9 Row = Target.Row Col = Target.Column If Row <= 6 And Row >= 9 Then Exit Sub Timestamp = Format(Now(), "dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss AM/PM") If Target.Text <> "" Then If Row = CellRow1 Then Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp ElseIf Row = CellRow Then Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp Else On Error Resume Next Set DpRng = Target.Dependents For Each Rng In DpRng If Rng.Row = CellRow Then Cells(Rng.Row, TimeRow) = Timestamp End If Next End If End If End Sub

Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range) Dim CellCol, CellCol1, TimeCol, Row, Col As Integer Dim DpRng, Rng As Range CellCol1 = 1 CellCol = 2 TimeCol = 3 Row = Target.Row Col = Target.Column If Row <= 1 Then Exit Sub Timestamp = Format(Now, "DD-MM-YYYY HH:MM:SS AM/PM") If Target.Text <> "" Then If Col = CellCol Then Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp ElseIf Col = CellCol1 Then Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp Else On Error Resume Next Set DpRng = Target.Dependents For Each Rng In DpRng If Rng.Column = CellCol Then Cells(Rng.Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp End If Next End If End If End Sub

Sub InsertTimestamps() Dim ws As Worksheet Dim lastRow As Long Dim i As Integer 'Set the worksheet where you want to insert timestamps Set ws = ThisWorkbook.Sheets("Sheet1") 'Set the range where you want to insert timestamps (A5 to C7) Dim startRow As Long Dim endRow As Long startRow = 5 endRow = 7 'Loop through the columns and insert timestamps For i = 1 To 3 'Columns A, B, and C ws.Range(ws.Cells(startRow, i), ws.Cells(endRow, i)).Offset(0, 3).Value = Now ws.Range(ws.Cells(startRow, i), ws.Cells(endRow, i)).Offset(0, 3).NumberFormat = "yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss" Next i End Sub

6 Comments

Brian Dec 10, 2022 at 12:57 PM

Hello Md. Shamim Reza,
This has been very helpful, thank you for your assistance!

Would you be able to provide the alteration to the code necessary for this to work for a row instead of a column?
Could you provide the changes if it were for multiple rows?

I appreciate your help,
Brian
- Reply
  Bishawajit Chakraborty Dec 12, 2022 at 2:36 PM
  Thank you, Brian for the comment. You can use the following code to insert timestamp when value from a specific row change:
```
Option Explicit
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
Dim CellRow, TimeRow, Row, Col As Integer
Dim DpRng, Rng As Range
Dim Timestamp As Variant
CellRow = 8
TimeRow = 9
Row = Target.Row
Col = Target.Column
If Row <= 7 Then Exit Sub
Timestamp = Format(Now(), "dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss AM/PM")
If Target.Text <> "" Then
If Row = CellRow Then
Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp
Else
On Error Resume Next
Set DpRng = Target.Dependents
For Each Rng In DpRng
If Rng.Row = CellRow Then
Cells(Rng.Row, TimeRow) = Timestamp
End If
Next
End If
End If
End Sub
```
  The following shows it working.
  
  Now, for your second part of the comment. You can use this code for multiple rows:
```
Option Explicit
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
Dim CellRow, CellRow1, TimeRow, Row, Col As Integer
Dim DpRng, Rng As Range
Dim Timestamp As Variant
CellRow1 = 7
CellRow = 8
TimeRow = 9
Row = Target.Row
Col = Target.Column
If Row <= 6 And Row >= 9 Then Exit Sub
Timestamp = Format(Now(), "dd-mm-yy hh:mm:ss AM/PM")
If Target.Text <> "" Then
If Row = CellRow1 Then
Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp
ElseIf Row = CellRow Then
Cells(TimeRow, Col) = Timestamp
Else
On Error Resume Next
Set DpRng = Target.Dependents
For Each Rng In DpRng
If Rng.Row = CellRow Then
Cells(Rng.Row, TimeRow) = Timestamp
End If
Next
End If
End If
End Sub
```
  The animated image shows it is working for two rows.
  
  Regards
  
  Bishawajit, on behalf of ExcelDemy
Rafal Apr 21, 2023 at 5:13 PM

Hello Bishawajit,

Do you know how to change this VBA for multiple collumns starting from row 2 all thay down . Thank you
- Reply
  Bishawajit Chakraborty Apr 26, 2023 at 1:41 PM
  Thank you, RAFAL, for your wonderful question.
  
  Here is the solution to your question.
  
  This is the VBA code we have applied for multiple columns starting from row 2.
```
Private Sub Worksheet_Change(ByVal Target As Range)
Dim CellCol, CellCol1, TimeCol, Row, Col As Integer
Dim DpRng, Rng As Range
CellCol1 = 1
CellCol = 2
TimeCol = 3
Row = Target.Row
Col = Target.Column
If Row <= 1 Then Exit Sub
Timestamp = Format(Now, "DD-MM-YYYY HH:MM:SS AM/PM")
If Target.Text <> "" Then
If Col = CellCol Then
Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
ElseIf Col = CellCol1 Then
Cells(Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
Else
On Error Resume Next
Set DpRng = Target.Dependents
For Each Rng In DpRng
If Rng.Column = CellCol Then
Cells(Rng.Row, TimeCol) = Timestamp
End If
Next
End If
End If
End Sub
```
  Now, for a better understanding of the output, you can see the below image.
  
  I hope this may solve your issue.
  
  Raiyan , on behalf of ExcelDemy
Peter Abbott Oct 27, 2023 at 12:44 PM

Hello Bishawajit,

Do you know how to change this VBA for multiple data columns and multiple timestamp columns e.g.:

CellCol = 1 inserts a time stamp into TimeCol = 4
CellCol1 = 2 insets a time stamp into TimeCol1 = 5
CellCol2 = 3 inserts a time stamp into TimeCol2 = 6

Thank you in advance.
Peter
- Reply
  Bishawajit Chakraborty Oct 29, 2023 at 12:44 PM
  Thank you, Peter Abbott, for your wonderful question.
  
  Here is the solution to your question:
  
  This is the VBA code we have changed for multiple data columns and multiple timestamp columns.
  
  First, input data for multiple columns, like below.
  
  Now, paste the following in the module. Then, click on the Run button to see the output.
```
Sub InsertTimestamps()
Dim ws As Worksheet
Dim lastRow As Long
Dim i As Integer
'Set the worksheet where you want to insert timestamps
Set ws = ThisWorkbook.Sheets("Sheet1")
'Set the range where you want to insert timestamps (A5 to C7)
Dim startRow As Long
Dim endRow As Long
startRow = 5
endRow = 7
'Loop through the columns and insert timestamps
For i = 1 To 3 'Columns A, B, and C
ws.Range(ws.Cells(startRow, i), ws.Cells(endRow, i)).Offset(0, 3).Value = Now
ws.Range(ws.Cells(startRow, i), ws.Cells(endRow, i)).Offset(0, 3).NumberFormat = "yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss"
Next i
End Sub
```
  Finally, see the following output:
  
  I hope this may solve your issue.
  
  Bishawajit, on behalf of ExcelDemy