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.