How to Use the NOW Function in Excel

This guide explains how to use NOW Function in Excel, including its syntax, required arguments, practical examples, and common errors.

Description: The function executes the current date and time. The NOW function is useful when you want to display the current date and time. The N OW function does not update continuously, it only updates when you have editing operations on the data area containing it.

Syntax: NOW () .

The NOW function contains no arguments.

Attention:

- The NOW function does not update continuously, it only changes when the worksheet is calculated or the macro that contains it is launched.

- NOW function can be used to calculate previous and future dates and times. For example NOW () -0.5 -> returns the time as 12 hours ago. Notice the number to the left of the decimal point indicates the date, the right represents the time. (It depends on the version of Excel that uses the dot or comma).

For example:

Calculate date and time values using the NOW () function.

In the cell to calculate enter the formula: NOW () .

Press Enter -> The current date and time values are:

You can calculate the current time of the previous 12 hours. Enter the formula: NOW () - 0.5 . Here his version of Excel 2013 should use the decimal point as the dot.

Pressing Enter will result the date and time after the current 12 hours are:

Similarly, you can calculate the current date and time in the next 7 days and the previous 2 and 6 hours:

For example the serial number 2.25 -> day = 2 days, time = 1/4 of 24 hours = 6 hours.

Above is the usage and some notes when using the NOW () function.

Good luck!