No parameters - Optional. NOW takes no arguments - it always returns the current system date and time. Format the cell as Date/Time to display properly.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Action | Timestamp | Status |
| 2 | File saved | Complete | |
| 3 | 1/3/2026 2:45:30 PM | =NOW() 1/3/2026 2:45:30 PM | |
| 4 | Task started | In Progress |
Returns current system date and time
1/3/2026 2:45:30 PM (updates on recalculation)
Custom formatted timestamp string
2026-01-03 14:45:30
Days and hours elapsed since timestamp in A2
5.5 (days) - format as duration for hours:minutes
Remove date portion, keep only time
0.614583 → format as Time to show 2:45:30 PM
Use this date-time function to automatically timestamp log entries when data is entered or updated. This pattern is essential for operations teams tracking system events, customer service logging support tickets, IT departments monitoring server activities, and project managers recording milestone completions. The formula creates audit trails that show exactly when actions occurred, providing accountability and historical tracking. This function is perfect for activity logs because it captures the exact moment of data entry with both date and time precision. Combine with conditional formatting to highlight recent entries, or use with IF to only timestamp when new data is added. Perfect for change logs, transaction records, user activity tracking, and any scenario requiring precise time-stamped documentation.
| A | B | C | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Event | Timestamp | Status |
| 2 | Login attempt | 1/3/26 2:30 PM | Success |
| 3 | File modified | 1/3/26 2:45 PM | Saved |
| 4 | Current Time: | 1/3/26 2:45:30 PM | =NOW() Active |
Build real-time deadline monitoring with the NOW function to instantly flag overdue tasks, warn about upcoming deadlines, and calculate days remaining. This approach is critical for project managers tracking deliverables, sales teams monitoring proposal expiration dates, procurement teams managing contract renewals, and operations teams ensuring SLA compliance. It enables dynamic conditional formatting that automatically changes colors as deadlines approach - green for safe, yellow for warning, red for overdue. The formula provides ideal deadline tracking because it compares the current timestamp against target dates automatically. Combine with IF statements to trigger alerts, calculate urgency scores, or filter tasks by time sensitivity for effective priority management.
| A | B | C | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Task | Deadline | Days Left | Status |
| 2 | Report | 1/5/26 | ||
| 3 | 1.5 | =(B2-NOW()) On Track | ||
| 4 | Review | 1/1/26 | -2 | OVERDUE |
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
Use =NOW(), then Copy → Paste Special → ValuesThis date-time function is volatile and recalculates continuously. For permanent timestamps, use the NOW function to get current time, then immediately convert to static values with Paste Special → Values. This "freezes" the timestamp so it never changes. For automatic permanent timestamps, use VBA or Excel 365 dynamic arrays with lambda functions.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
Use =TODAY() if you only need date, not timeThis date-time function is volatile - it forces recalculation constantly. If you only need the date portion without time, use TODAY() instead which is less volatile. For better performance, use it only where truly needed, and consider calculating time differences in helper columns rather than repeating throughout your workbook. Minimize volatile functions in production spreadsheets.
❌ The Problem:
✅ Solution:
Press F9 to force recalculation, or use VBA for live clockThe NOW function in Excel updates when the workbook recalculates, not continuously in real-time. Recalculation happens when you open the file, edit cells, or manually press F9. This function is event-driven rather than time-driven. For a constantly updating clock display, you need VBA code with timer events. For most business purposes, the NOW formula provides sufficient real-time accuracy without requiring continuous updates.
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