NOW function

Returns the current date and time as a timestamp value that updates automatically each time the spreadsheet recalculates.

=NOW()

Generate a NOW formula

Describe what you need. The generator will reach for NOW where NOW is the right tool, and tell you when it is not.

How to get a better answer
  • Name your columns by letter and by header: "column F (Net Value)" beats "the amount column".
  • State every condition, including the negatives — "not cancelled" changes the formula's shape.
  • Say where the data starts if it is not row 1, and whether it will grow.
  • Check the settings above match your spreadsheet: the wrong argument separator is a syntax error on your machine.

Arguments

ArgumentRequiredDescription

Returns

A date-time serial number representing the current date and time.

Availability

Excel: All · Google Sheets: Supported

Worked examples

1. Calculate days until ingredient expires

IngredientSupplierUnitQtyExpiry Date
TomatoFresh Farm Cokg152026-09-25
ChickenMeat Masterpcs82026-09-18
PastaGrain Incbox122026-10-16
=DAYS(E2, NOW())

Result: 9

NOW() provides today's date (2026-09-16). DAYS subtracts it from the expiry date in E2 (2026-09-25 for Tomato), returning 9 days remaining before spoilage.

2. Flag expired ingredients during stock check

IngredientSupplierUnitQtyExpiry Date
TomatoFresh Farm Cokg152026-09-25
ChickenMeat Masterpcs82026-09-18
PastaGrain Incbox122026-10-16
=IF(NOW()>E2, "EXPIRED", "SAFE")

Result: SAFE

NOW() compares against the expiry date in E2. If NOW() exceeds the expiry date, the item is flagged as EXPIRED; otherwise it returns SAFE. Tomato is SAFE because 2026-09-16 is before 2026-09-25.

3. Record exact timestamp of inventory count

IngredientSupplierUnitQtyStock Check Time
TomatoFresh Farm Cokg15=NOW()
ChickenMeat Masterpcs8=NOW()
PastaGrain Incbox12=NOW()
=NOW()

Result: 2026-09-16 14:35:22

NOW() returns the exact date and time when the formula is entered or recalculated. This captures the precise moment stock inventory was performed, creating an audit trail for compliance and reconciliation purposes.

Common errors

Which NOW error are you seeing?
NOW returned an error#VALUE!
Remove the argument and restructure your formula: instead of =NOW(E2), use =DAYS(E2, NOW()) to combine NOW() with other values separately.
#NAME?
Check the spelling and correct it to =NOW(). If on a legacy spreadsheet version that doesn't support NOW(), use =TODAY()+TIME(HOUR(NOW()),MINUTE(NOW()),SECOND(NOW())) or update your app.
#CALC!
Refresh the sheet (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R), check your internet connection, verify the sheet has permission to access system time, and ensure your device's clock is set correctly.
ErrorWhy it happensHow to fix it
#VALUE!NOW() takes no arguments, but you passed one anyway: =NOW(1) or =NOW(E2).Remove the argument and restructure your formula: instead of =NOW(E2), use =DAYS(E2, NOW()) to combine NOW() with other values separately.
#NAME?The function name is misspelled or not recognized: =NOWS(), =NOW_(), or =NOW2().Check the spelling and correct it to =NOW(). If on a legacy spreadsheet version that doesn't support NOW(), use =TODAY()+TIME(HOUR(NOW()),MINUTE(NOW()),SECOND(NOW())) or update your app.
#CALC!In Google Sheets, a recalculation error occurs when the system cannot retrieve the current time, usually due to a permissions issue or temporary system failure.Refresh the sheet (Ctrl+R or Cmd+R), check your internet connection, verify the sheet has permission to access system time, and ensure your device's clock is set correctly.

Tips and when to use something else

  • NOW() updates every time the sheet recalculates—when you open it, edit data, or press F9. If you need a frozen timestamp (like a log entry), copy the cell and Paste Special > Values to replace the formula with its result.
  • Extract date or time parts from NOW() using DATE/TIME functions: =YEAR(NOW()), =HOUR(NOW()), =MINUTE(NOW()). This is useful for grouping inventory checks by day or hour in reports.
  • To find how long an item has been in stock, subtract its receive date from NOW(): =NOW()-A2 gives age in days. Pair this with DATEDIF() for more control: =DATEDIF(A2, NOW(), "D") for exact full days.
  • Use TODAY() instead of NOW() when you only need the date without the time—it avoids constant recalculation, produces cleaner output, and is more efficient for daily stock checks.

Related functions

TODAYTODAY returns the current date as a date value, automatically updating each time the spreadsheet opens or recalculates.DATEDATE returns a date serial number from year, month, and day arguments, enabling date construction from separate numeric components.DATEDIFReturns the number of time units (days, months, years) between two dates, useful for calculating durations, aging, or time-to-deadline.DAYSDAYS returns the number of calendar days between two dates, with positive or negative result depending on date order.IFThe IF function returns one value if a condition is true and another (or nothing) if it is false, letting you branch logic in a cell.

Frequently asked questions

Does NOW() update automatically every second, or only when I edit the sheet?
NOW() updates only when the spreadsheet recalculates—when you open it, modify a cell, or force a recalculation with F9/Ctrl+Shift+F9. It does not update in real-time every second. If you need a static timestamp, copy and Paste Special > Values.
What's the difference between NOW() and TODAY()?
NOW() returns the current date and time (e.g., 2026-09-16 14:35:22), while TODAY() returns only the date (2026-09-16). Use NOW() for precise timestamps like inventory audit times; use TODAY() when you only care about the calendar day.
Can I use NOW() with different time zones, like for suppliers in different countries?
No. NOW() always returns your device's local time. To adjust for a different timezone, you must manually add or subtract hours: =NOW()+TIME(8,0,0) adds 8 hours. Some apps like Google Sheets offer timezone conversion functions, but NOW() itself is local-only.
Why does comparing NOW() to an expiry date sometimes give unexpected results?
Because NOW() includes the time component, comparisons can be off by hours. If an item expires on 2026-09-25 at midnight and NOW() is 2026-09-25 at 2 PM, NOW()>expiry returns TRUE (expired). Use INT(NOW()) or TODAY() to compare dates only, ignoring the time.

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Reviewed 2026-09-17