📅 Date & Time Function · beginner
NOW Function in Google Sheets
Returns the current date AND time. Updates on every recalculation.
Syntax
NOW()Returns: Current date and time.
Excel equivalent: NOW (identical)
Examples
Current timestamp
=NOW()Returns now. Formats as datetime.
Hours until deadline
=(A2 - NOW()) * 24Multiply by 24 because date math is in days.
Just the time
=NOW() - TODAY()Fractional part is the time-of-day.
When to use an alternative
- TODAY — Only need date.
- Hardcoded value — Want a snapshot.
Common errors and how to fix them
Shows as number
Cause: Wrong format.
Fix: Format → Number → Date time.
Keeps updating
Cause: NOW recalculates on every change.
Fix: Paste-special as values to freeze.
Related functions
TODAY
Returns the current date with no time component. Updates automatically when the sheet recalculates. ...
DATEDIF
Calculates the difference between two dates in years, months, or days. The cleanest way to compute a...
EDATE
Returns a date that is a specified number of months before or after a start date. The cleanest way t...
WORKDAY
Returns a date N business days before or after a start date. Excludes weekends and optional holidays...
DATE
Constructs a date value from year, month, and day numbers....
Frequently Asked Questions
Time zone?
Spreadsheet's time zone, set in File → Spreadsheet settings.
Immutable timestamp?
Apps Script onEdit, or paste-special as values.