How to use the NOW Function to show the current time in Excel
In one of our previous examples, we had explained how to use the TODAY Function to get the current date, now we want to determine the current time. The NOW function returns the serial number of the current date and time. Microsoft Excel stores dates as sequential numbers so they can be used in calculations. By default, January 1, 1900, is number 1, and January 1, 2006, is number 38718 because it is 38,717 days after January 1, 1900. Numbers to the right of the decimal point in the number represent the time; numbers to the left represent the date. For example, the serial number .5 represents the time 12:00 noon. Please note that the NOW() function is not updated continuously. Here is how we’ll apply the function in a formula.
How to get the current time in Excel
- Select a cell and enter the formula =NOW() and press Enter. For this example, we’ll use cell A1
- Right click cell A1 and click Format Cells
- Ensure the Number tab is selected and then select Date under Category.
- Select the format 3/14/01 1:30 PM and then press Enter.
You should now see the current time being displayed in cell A1. This should work in Microsoft Excel 97, 2000, 2003 and 2007.
