What is the NOW Function in Excel and How to Use It

Need to display the current date and time in Excel — and keep it always updated? The NOW() function is your go-to tool for dynamic time stamps in reports, dashboards, and templates.

📘 What is the NOW Function?

NOW() returns the current system date and time based on your computer’s clock. It refreshes automatically when your workbook recalculates.

🧪 Syntax:

=NOW()

🛠️ Use Cases

• Timestamp on Dashboards: Add a live date/time indicator for reports.
• Track Real-Time Entries: Combine with IF or TEXT for custom time stamps.
• Calculate Time Elapsed: Subtract NOW from a deadline or start time.

🧮 Examples

• =NOW() → returns: 07-07-2025 10:15 AM
• =TEXT(NOW(), "dd-mmm-yyyy hh:mm:ss") → returns formatted string
• =IF(NOW()-A1>1, "Overdue", "On Time") → status check

⚠️ Things to Know

• NOW updates every time the worksheet recalculates.
• To freeze the time, copy and paste it as values (Ctrl + Shift + V).
• It pulls time from the system — not from the internet or server clock.

💡 Final Thoughts

NOW() is powerful in dashboards, time tracking, and real-time analysis. If you only need the date, use TODAY() instead. For time-critical dashboards, NOW() adds a professional touch with zero extra effort!

⏰ Want to see live NOW function in a dashboard? Download our Excel templates at ScriptDataInsights Gumroad.