---
title: "NOW function in Excel: syntax and examples | PracticeExcel"
description: "How to use NOW in Excel and Google Sheets: the current date and time, hours since a start time, and how to enter a fixed timestamp."
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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://practiceexcelonline.com/llms.txt)

# **The NOW function**

Returns the current date and time. It updates every time the sheet recalculates, so it is a live clock, not a timestamp.

=

NOW(

## **Syntax**

```
NOW()
```

<dl></dl>

## **Examples**

B1=ISNUMBER(NOW())

|  | A | B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 |  | **TRUE** |

B1=INT(NOW())-TODAY()

|  | A | B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 |  | **0** |

B1=IF(NOW()>DATE(2024,1,1),"After Jan 1, 2024","Before")

|  | A | B |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 |  | **After Jan 1, 2024** |

## **Questions**

<details>

<summary>

### How do I enter a timestamp that does not change?

</summary>

Type it with a shortcut instead of a formula. On Windows, Ctrl+; enters today's date and Ctrl+Shift+; the current time. On a Mac, use Ctrl+; and Cmd+;.

</details>

<details>

<summary>

### What is the difference between NOW and TODAY?

</summary>

TODAY returns the date only, as a whole number. NOW adds the time of day as a fraction, so at 6 PM it is 0.75 more than TODAY.

</details>

## **Related functions**

- [**TODAY**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/today)
- [**HOUR**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/hour)
- [**TEXT**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/text)
- [**TIME**](https://practiceexcelonline.com/functions/time)

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