⏰ Need the current date and time? Use the NOW function in Google Sheets!
When you want to insert the current time into your sheet automatically, the NOW function is your go-to solution. It updates every time your sheet changes or is opened, making it perfect for real-time tracking such as attendance logs, submission timestamps, and automation triggers.
In this post, we’ll explore what the NOW function does, how to use it, and several real-world examples to enhance your productivity.
🧠 What is the NOW function?
The NOW function returns the current date and time.
It doesn’t require any arguments—just type:
=NOW()• Return type: Date + Time (e.g., 7/28/2025 10:24:12 AM)
• Auto-updating: Refreshes whenever the sheet is edited or opened.
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
• NOW is a volatile function. It updates every time the spreadsheet recalculates.
• If you need a static timestamp, use keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl + ; (date) or Ctrl + Shift + ; (time), or use Paste Values after copying the NOW output.
• Sheets use UTC time on the backend, but it adjusts based on your regional settings.
✅ 4 Practical Use Cases
1. Real-time attendance tracking
=IF(A2="Check-In", NOW(), "")When “Check-In” is entered in A2, the current time is recorded. You can repeat this for “Check-Out.”
2. Auto-fill submission time
=IF(B2<>"", NOW(), "")When content is added to B2, NOW captures the timestamp. Useful for assignments or approval records.
3. Logging edits in a column
=ARRAYFORMULA(IF(C2:C<>"", NOW(), ""))Tracks changes in column C using a live timestamp—helpful for audit trails.
🧩 Common Questions (FAQ)
Q: My NOW function isn’t updating!
A: It only recalculates on edits or when reopening the file. Try refreshing the sheet or making a dummy change.
Q: What if I only want the date?
A: Use =TODAY() instead—it returns the date without the time.
Q: How can I make the value permanent?
A: Copy the result → right-click → Paste values only.
🔍 Final Thoughts & Pro Tips
The NOW function may look simple, but it becomes incredibly powerful when used for time-sensitive workflows. From attendance sheets to submission timestamps and automation logs, it ensures you always have the most up-to-date time visible. Combine it with TODAY() and Apps Script for advanced tracking and automation.
