Quick Answer

NOW Function

NOW displays the current date and time, updating automatically.

Syntax

NOW

()

Basic Example

Get current date and time

=NOW()

Result7/7/2026 14:30

Returns the current date and time as a serial number.

Advanced Examples

Example 1: Calculate hours since an event

Time tracking

Find how many hours have passed since a specific time

=(NOW()-A1)*24

Result: 2.5

Subtracts the event time from now and multiplies by 24 to get hours.

How NOW Works

NOW returns the current date and time as a serial number, where the integer part is the date and the decimal part is the time.

1

Select output cell

Choose where the result should appear.

2

Enter formula

Type =NOW().

3

Press Enter

The result shows current date and time.

Important Notes & Limitations

NOW includes both date and time.
For date only, use TODAY() instead.

Download Practice File

Practice NOW with Real Data

Download a sample CSV file with pre-populated data and practice exercises for the NOW function. Works in both Excel and Google Sheets.

Works in Google SheetsCompatible with ExcelIncludes exercises

File format: CSV (comma-separated values) - opens in Excel, Google Sheets, and all spreadsheet apps

Related Functions

DATE

Assembles a date from year, month, and day values.

DATEDIF

Returns the difference between two dates in years, months, or days.

DAY

DAY returns the day number (1-31) from a date.

DAYS

Counts the days from start_date to end_date.

EDATE

Shifts a date by a number of months.

EOMONTH

Returns the last day of the month offset by n months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does NOW update in real-time?

NOW updates when the worksheet recalculates, not continuously.

How do I format NOW to show only time?

Apply a time-only number format to the cell.