How to Use the NOW Function in Excel (Live Date & Time Stamp)

How to Use the NOW Function in Excel (Live Date & Time Stamp)

The NOW() function in Excel returns the current system date and time. It updates automatically each time the workbook recalculates. Perfect for time logs, real-time tracking, and productivity dashboards.

📘 Syntax:

=NOW()

✅ Example 1 – Insert Current Date and Time:

=NOW()

This will return something like 11-Jul-2025 07:55 AM

✅ Example 2 – Custom Time Format:

After inserting =NOW(), apply a custom format:

dd-mm-yyyy hh:mm AM/PM

🎯 Common Use Cases:

• Attendance trackers or time logs
• Real-time dashboards
• Auto-generated invoice time stamps

⚠️ Note:

Unlike static time (Ctrl + Shift + ;), NOW() is dynamic and keeps updating every time Excel refreshes or you reopen the file.

Use NOW() when you need live time in Excel! For more real-world Excel tricks, follow ScriptDataInsights.