NOW

Beginner

Date & Time

Returns the current date and time as a serial number. Updates automatically on recalculation.

Syntax
=NOW()
Parameters
Examples
Real-world examples to help you understand how to use NOW

Get current date and time

=NOW()

Returns current date with time

Result: 12/29/2025 14:30

Timestamp log entry

=NOW()

Creates timestamp for records

Result: Current datetime

Calculate hours elapsed

=(NOW()-A1)*24

Hours since datetime in A1

Result: Hours elapsed

Common Use Cases
  • ✓Create timestamps
  • ✓Calculate time elapsed
  • ✓Track last update time
  • ✓Time-based calculations
  • ✓Log entry timestamps
Pro Tips
  • 💡NOW() has no arguments
  • 💡Updates on recalculation
  • 💡Includes both date and time
  • 💡Use TODAY() for date only
Common Errors
  • ⚠️Expecting static timestamp (use Copy > Paste Values)
  • ⚠️Adding unnecessary arguments
  • ⚠️Not formatting cell to show time
Related Formulas
TODAYTIMEHOURMINUTESECOND

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