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