=NOW()
Returns the serial number of the current date and time. If the cell format was General before the function was entered, Excel changes the cell format so that it matches the date and time format of your regional settings. You can change the date and time format for the cell by using the commands in the Number group of the Home tab on the Ribbon. The NOW function is useful when you need to display the current date and time on a worksheet or calculate a value based on the current date and time, and have that value updated each time you open the worksheet.
=NOW()
⬇ Download Sample Workbook
A dedicated .xlsx for =NOW() with Persian sample data & live formulas — open in Excel and practice.
- Sheet “Sample” — data table + formula in place
- Sheet “Guide” — syntax, arguments & tips from this page
- Instant & secure (token + rate limit)
Quiz this function
%d questions — syntax, example & errors — test yourself!
◧ Arguments
No arguments.
▣ Examples
=NOW()
=NOW()-0.5
=NOW()+7
=NOW()-2.25
§ Remarks
- Excel stores dates as sequential serial numbers so that they can be used in calculations. By default, January 1, 1900 is serial number 1, and January 1, 2025 is serial number 45658 because it is 45,657 days after January 1, 1900.
- Numbers to the right of the decimal point in the serial number represent the time; numbers to the left represent the date. For example, the serial number 0.5 represents the time 12:00 noon.
- The results of the NOW function change only when the worksheet is calculated or when a macro that contains the function is run. It is not updated continuously.
✦ Tips
- Excel stores dates as sequential serial numbers so that they can be used in calculations. By default, January 1, 1900 is serial number 1, and January 1, 2025 is serial number 45658 because it is 45,657 days after January 1, 1900.
- Numbers to the right of the decimal point in the serial number represent the time; numbers to the left represent the date. For example, the serial number 0.5 represents the time 12:00 noon.
- The results of the NOW function change only when the worksheet is calculated or when a macro that contains the function is run. It is not updated continuously.
💬 Comments & Q&A 0 approved
🔒 Your comment will be published after review.Share your thoughts — visible after admin approval