Excel: insert date and time - how it works

In Excel you can insert both the current time and today's date. This practical tip shows you which formulas you need for this.

Insert date and time using Excel formula

Microsoft Excel contains two formulas that you can use to insert the current date and time. The Office Tool is based on your current system time.

• For today's date, enter the formula "= TODAY ()" in an empty cell.
• You get the current time with "= NOW ()".
• Excel does not automatically update the two values. They only change if you select the cell again and press [Enter] or run a macro that contains the function.