NOW

Purpose

  • Returns the current date and time (based on your computer's date and time)

Example

  • NOW is similar to TODAY, but it is more precise, as shown here:

NOW

  • Here is a screenshot, for reference:

NOW

  • Notice that date serial numbers do not have to be integers
    • The fractions represent the time (with 12:00 AM equaling 0 and 12:00 PM equaling 0.5)

Syntax

  • =NOW()

Arguments

  • There are no arguments for this function!

Tips

  • Note that NOW will provide the current date and time, with the time representing fractions of a number. For example:
    • 12:00 AM is 0
    • 6:00 AM is .25
    • 12:00 PM is .5
    • 6:00 PM is .75
    • etc.
  • The default time used in the TODAY function is 12:00 AM (or 0), hence the reason TODAY will always provide a date serial number that is an integer
  • If the results of the NOW function are stale (i.e. the date and time is old), be sure to recalculate your worksheet or workbook
  • Pressing F9 is one quick way to do this

External Links