Creating Formulas Using the Date or NOW Function

Use the Date & Time function or the NOW function to insert the date and time into your workbook. The date and time will be displayed at all times, but will only be updated when the worksheet is calculated. The NOW function looks like this:

=NOW()

To use the NOW Function:

  1. Select the cell in which you want to enter the function.
  2. Click the Insert Function button.
  3. Click NOW from the list of Most Recently Used or Date & Time functions and click OK.
  4. The NOW Function takes no arguments.
  5. Click OK.


Use the TODAY function to display only today's date in your worksheet. Use the TIME function to display only the time in your worksheet.

The NOW function uses the computer's system clock to determine the date and time.

You can also open the Insert Function box by:

  • Selecting Function... from the Insert menu.

    OR

  • Clicking the arrow next to the AutoSum toolbar button and selecting More Functions...