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How to Use the NOW Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 13, 2026

This how-to guide includes 3 topics, with 3 free topics and 0 membership-related topics, so you can choose the method that fits your worksheet task.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Insert the NOW function from the Insert Function dialogFree
22. Type the NOW formula directly in a cellFree
33. Check the NOW function syntax and descriptionFree

How-to Guide

1. Insert the NOW function from the Insert Function dialog

Entry: Formula tab → Insert Function, or the fx button in the formula bar

  1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Click the fx button in the formula bar, or click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
  3. Search for NOW in the Insert Function dialog.
  4. Select the function and click OK.
  5. Confirm that the syntax shown is NOW().
  6. Click OK to complete the insertion.

Success Criteria

  • The target cell contains the NOW function.
  • The cell displays the current date and time.
  • You can continue with copy, fill, or formatting actions.

Tips While Using

  • You can search for the function name in uppercase or lowercase, but the function format should remain NOW().
  • This function does not require additional arguments.

2. Type the NOW formula directly in a cell

Entry: A worksheet cell or the formula bar

  1. Select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Type =NOW() directly in the cell or in the formula bar.
  3. Press Enter to confirm.
  4. If needed, copy the cell or drag to fill other cells.

Success Criteria

  • The cell displays the current date and time.
  • The formula bar shows =NOW().
  • The formula can be reused in other cells.

Tips While Using

  • Start the formula with the equal sign =.
  • Keep the parentheses, even though the function has no arguments.

3. Check the NOW function syntax and description

Entry: Formula tab → Insert Function

  1. Click Insert Function on the Formula tab.
  2. Enter NOW in the search box.
  3. Select the function and review the displayed syntax.
  4. Open the help entry to read the function description.

Success Criteria

  • You can see the function name and syntax as NOW().
  • You can confirm that the function returns the current date and time.
  • You can return to the worksheet and continue entering the formula.

Tips While Using

  • After reviewing the description, return to the worksheet to complete the actual formula entry.
  • If the displayed result format is not what you want, adjust the cell date and time format.