MS Excel: NOW function to return the current date and time

The NOW function in Excel returns the current date and time based on your system clock. It is a volatile function, meaning it updates automatically every time the worksheet recalculates.

This function is essential for timestamping, dynamic dashboards, real-time calculations, and time tracking systems.

Syntax

=NOW()

• The function has no arguments.

• It returns a serial number representing the current date and time.

In Excel, dates are stored as sequential numbers. For example, 1 represents January 1, 1900, and decimals represent time. So 45000.5 would mean noon on May 19, 2023.

Examples

Example 1: Insert Current Date and Time

=NOW()

Returns something like:

04/05/2025 14:35

The exact format depends on your regional settings and cell formatting.

Example 2: Calculate Deadline (Current Time + 3 Hours)

=NOW() + TIME(3, 0, 0)

This formula adds 3 hours to the current time.

Example 3: Track Time Elapsed Since a Specific Date-Time

=NOW() - A2

If cell A2 contains a date-time like 04/05/2025 08:00, the result will be a decimal representing days. Format the result as [h]:mm:ss to see the time difference clearly.

Sample Table

Task Start Time	Current Time (NOW)	Elapsed Time Formula	Elapsed Time Result
04/05/2025 08:00	=NOW()	=NOW() - A2	6:30

Format the result column as Time or [h]:mm:ss.

Notes About Volatility

• The NOW() function updates automatically when:

  • You open the workbook.

  • You enter/edit a cell.

  • You press F9 to recalculate.

• It does not update in real-time unless you force a calculation.

Difference Between NOW and TODAY

Function	Returns	Includes Time?
NOW()	Date and time	✅ Yes
TODAY()	Date only	❌ No

Practical Use Cases

• ⏱ Track real-time durations (e.g., elapsed time since login)

• 📊 Create dynamic dashboards with current time indicators

• 📅 Schedule tasks with offset from current time

• 📥 Timestamp entries or log updates automatically

Pro Tips

• Format the cell containing NOW() using Custom Format like:

  • dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm AM/PM

  • yyyy-mm-dd hh:mm:ss

• Use in conditional formatting to highlight overdue tasks.

• Combine with IF or DATEDIF for deadline alerts.

  
  

Summary Table

Feature	Description
Function Name	NOW
Purpose	Returns current date and time
Volatile	✅ Yes
Arguments	None
Returns	Date-Time serial number
Compatible With	Excel 2007 and later

Conclusion

The NOW function is simple but incredibly powerful. From creating real-time dashboards to automating timestamps, it's an essential tool for any Excel power user who deals with time-sensitive data.