NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel

The following article details how to use the NOW function, the function returns the current date and time.

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 .

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 1

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

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 2

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

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 3

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.

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 4

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

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 5

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

NOW function - The function returns the current date and time in Excel Picture 6

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!