How to Use Now() and Today() in Excel: Simple Guide with Video in Khmer

In this tutorial, we will explore the NOW() and TODAY() functions in Microsoft Excel. These two functions are incredibly useful for working with dates and times within your spreadsheets.

The NOW() Function

The NOW() function returns the current date and time, updating automatically every time the worksheet is recalculated.

Syntax:

=NOW()

Example: If you enter =NOW() in a cell, it will display the current date and time, for example, 9/1/2024 1:37 PM.

The TODAY() Function

The TODAY() function returns the current date only, without the time component. It also updates automatically every time the worksheet is recalculated.

Syntax:

=TODAY()

Example: If you enter =TODAY() in a cell, it will display the current date, for example, 9/1/2026.

NOW() & TODAY() Video Tutorial (Khmer)

📚 Related Tutorial: Learn more foundational formulas in our guide on Top 15 Basic Excel Formulas for Beginners ↗!

💡 Quick Tips for Using NOW() and TODAY()

1. Automatic Updates: Both functions update automatically whenever the worksheet is recalculated.
2. Format Cells: To display the date or time in different formats, right-click on the cell, select Format Cells, and choose your desired format from the Number tab.
3. Calculations: You can use these functions in calculations. For example, =TODAY() - A1 will calculate the number of days between the current date and the date in cell A1.