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 typesCOLUMNNOWTODAYOperation Type 🔧
Fundamental type of operation or action that the Excel function performs on its inputsFor all*
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 parametersCOLUMNNOWTODAYVersion 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
COLUMNNOWOperating System 💾
Specifies the operating systems where the function can be used < including Windows< macOS< and web platformsFor all*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 functionCOLUMNNOWTODAY
Evaluation Comparison
Pros ✅
Key advantages and strengths of the Excel functionFor all*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
ISNUMBER
Known for Number Validation🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNTBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Counter🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
FORMULATEXT
Known for Formula Inspection🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
MONTH
Known for Month Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
COUNT
Known for Counting Numeric Cells🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
ISBLANK
Known for Empty Cell Detection🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
TRANSPOSE
Known for Converting Row Data To Columns🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN
DAY
Known for Day Extraction🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
SUM
Known for Basic Arithmetic Calculations🔢 needs fewer arguments than COLUMN
📈 is more versatile than COLUMN
⭐ is rated higher than COLUMN