How to use now function in excel

Sometimes it is necessary to extract date and time in any given project. There are times you will need to insert current date and time that also updates automatically or use old date and time. then you need to use now function. It is useful to cadd timestamps, find out value upon current time and date. If you are wondering how to use now function in excel, you are at the right place.

One interesting feature is that it can also inputs variations in adding days to current date or deduct any number of days from it. This article will explain you how to use now function in excel in multiple ways.

Input current date and time using now function via shortcut

1. In this example a blank document is used to just demonstrate the now function in excel.

2. Click a cell where you want to add now function and type “equals” sign and write now. Notice the function appears in a box.

3. Hit Tab button. The now function is active and blank paranthesis.

4. Now just press Enter without typing anything, the current time and date will be displayed.

Input current date and time using now function via menu

1. Open a document where you need to add current date and time. In this example, a blank document is opened.

2. Now click Formula tab in the ribbon. Multiple options appear under this tab.

3. Now click Date and Time option. A drop down list appears.

4. Click now option.

5. A dialogue box appears.

6. Do not do anything just press Enter, the current date and time will appear.

Add days in current date using now function

1. Again a blank document is opened for your demonstration and explaining.

2. Click a cell where you want to add now function and type “equals” sign and write now. Notice the function appears in a box.

3. Hit Tab button. The now function is active and blank paranthesis.

4. Now to add let’s say 4 days in current date, click after the paranthesis.

5. Now type “+4”. This indicates adidng 4 days in current date.

6. Now press Enter. The date is mentioned 4 days ahead.

Note: You can repeat the same process via accessing now function from Date and Time option in Formula tab. The rest of the process remains same.

Deduct days in current date using now function

1. Here a balnk document is opened.

2. Click a cell where you want to add now function and type “equals” sign and write now. Notice the function appears in a box.

3. Hit Tab button. The now function is active and blank paranthesis.

4. Now to reduce let’s say 7 days in current date, click after the paranthesis.

5. Now type “-7”. This indicates reducing 7 days from current date.

6. Now press Enter. The date is mentioned 7 days before the current date.

So this is how to use now function in excel.

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