Default to a Future Date (Today + N)
This calculated default value uses a SharePoint formula to pre-fill the field with a date a set number of days in the future. Set as a calculated default value, it pre-fills the column when a new item is created, and users can still change it.
How It Works
- What it does: Pre-fills the date field with a date a set number of days ahead (30 here) when a new item is created.
- What you get: A new item opens with a date 30 days out already filled in, editable by the user.
- Good to know: It’s calculated once, at creation – change the 30 in the formula to use a different window.
Common Use Cases
- Auto-set a due date on new items
- Default review dates
- Follow-up windows
- Standard lead times
Details
- Formula Type: Calculated Default Value
- Formula Category: Dates & Time
Required Columns
| Display name | Column type |
|---|---|
| Due Date | Date and Time |
How to Apply the Formula
- Open the column settings (or create the column)
- Under Default value, choose the calculated value (formula) option
- Paste the formula below
- Save. New items will be pre-filled, and users can still change the value
Formula
=TODAY()+30Common Questions About Default to a Future Date (Today + N) Formula
What does this formula do?
Pre-fill a future date. It runs as a default value, pre-filling the column on new items.
Which columns do I need to set this up?
No other columns are required – the formula uses today’s date, the current user, or a constant, and applies to the column you set it on.
Will the default value update later?
No. It is calculated once when the item is created. After that it stays put unless someone changes it.
If LookBook 365 is code-free and out-of-the-box, why does this example use a formula?
A SharePoint formula is native, declarative configuration, not custom development. It only works with the item’s own fields and simple logic – it cannot run scripts, reach external services, or change other data, and nothing is deployed to your tenant. It keeps working through Microsoft updates. If you would rather not set this up yourself, this is exactly the kind of thing I configure for clients.
