Using TODAY function to calculate a half life

Alexa Jans

I am trying to use the TODAY function to continuously track half-lives of different radioactive material for inventory purposes. For example, if I order 50 mCi of lead 203 which has a half life of 51.8 hours, how can I make a formula to check how much has decayed in two days? Basically, is there a way to make the TODAY function not only track the date, but also any given time of the day?

SoS | Dan Palenchar

Try using either the Auto Created (Date) or Auto Modified (Date) columns. They include time stamps. You would probably need to use some type of copy row automation to keep a record of time changes and then use a lookup formula comparing those data points to make your calculations, not a super easy thing to do...

Andrée Starå

Hi @Alexa Jans

To add to Dan’s excellent advice.

Please have a look at my post below with a method I developed that might help.

Another option could be to develop something a 3rd party solution like Zapier.

More info: 

https://community.smartsheet.com/discussion/68589/lock-or-store-date-value-solution-without-using-zapier

Would that work/help?

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic weekend!

Best,

Andrée Starå | Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

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