How to use the NOW function in Excel

In this article, we will learn How to use the NOW function in Excel.

Today's date and time value in Excel

In Excel, If you need to use today's date and time together without any trouble, you just need to use this function. For Example working with attendees for the employee. You cannot afford to have human error while doing so. Let's learn how to use the easiest function in Excel. NOW function syntax and is explained using an example

NOW Function in Excel

NOW function is a date and time function which returns the current date and time together in a cell in the date time format. NOW function is a built-in dynamic function to get current Date and Time in one cell.

NOW Function Syntax :

For static use of the function use the shortcut key to perform is Ctrl + Shift + ; (semi - colon)

TODAY function is a built-in function to get Today’s Date or Current Date in Excel.

Syntax:

For static use of the function use the shortcut key to perform is Ctrl + ; (semi - colon)

NOW function Example :

All of these might be confusing to understand. Let's understand how to use the function using an example. Here are some snapshots to see how it works

NOW function does not take any parameters. It is used with parentheses.

TODAY function used in the A1 cell. TODAY function like NOW function does not take any parameters. It is used with parentheses.

NOW & TODAY function to get the Current Time

Shortcut keys to perform the same function as above

In the B1 cell use Shortcut key to get current date is Ctrl + ; (semi-colon)

In the B2 cell use shortcut key to get current time is Ctrl + Shift + ; (semi-colon)

In the B3 cell use Ctrl + ; (semi-colon) and After single space use Ctrl +Shift + ; (semi-colon) to get both date & time in the same cell.

Note: Dynamic function returns result whenever updated or refreshed whereas static function return results remain constant until & unless edited.

Here are all the observational notes using the NOW function in Excel
Notes :

1. Excel stores dates as serial numbers and is used in calculation by the function. So it’s recommended to use dates as cell reference or using the DATE function instead of giving direct argument to the function. Check the validation of date values if the function returns #VALUE! Error.
2. DAYS function can also subtract the two given numbers. Careful using the function
3. The date in excel must be in valid format
4. Unit argument in DATEDIF function can be given as cell reference or directly to the function in double quotes.
5. Start_date must be before the end_date or else the function will give #NUM! error
6. The function gives #VALUE! Error if the date is not a valid date.

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