The NOW function in Excel is a powerful tool that provides the current date and time as a serial number. This function is particularly useful for time-stamping data entries or for scenarios where you need to calculate durations based on the current moment. By using NOW, users can dynamically reference real-time information in their spreadsheets, making it an essential function for various applications.

Syntax

NOW()

• No parameters: The NOW function doesn’t require any arguments, as it simply returns the current date and time.

Example #1

=NOW()

This function will return the current date and time, for example, “2023-10-01 14:55:30”.

Example #2

=NOW()

When placed in a cell, this function will refresh to show the current time whenever the worksheet is recalculated, like “2023-10-01 14:56:05” after refreshing.

Example #3

=NOW()

You might use this function in a financial model to capture the current date and time of data entry, e.g., “2023-10-01 14:57:40” as a timestamp.

Error handling

• VALUE! This error occurs if the NOW function is being referenced in a context that does not support date and time calculations, such as being nested improperly within a function that requires a number.
• NAME? This error may appear if the formula is misspelled or if it’s not recognized in a certain version of Excel.

Conclusion

In summary, the NOW function is a straightforward yet essential tool in Excel for retrieving the current date and time. Its versatility allows it to be employed in various situations where time-sensitive data is critical. Knowing how to effectively use the NOW function can greatly enhance your ability to create dynamic and responsive spreadsheets.