NOW in WPS on Windows returns the current date and time; this guide covers 3 core tasks, with 3 available without membership and 0 membership-related items.
At a Glance
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Core tasks | 3 | Matches the number of rows in the How-to Index |
| Available without membership | 3 | Matches the number of Free rows in the index |
| Membership-related items | 0 | Matches the number of membership-related rows in the index |
About This Feature
Overview
The NOW function is a date and time function in WPS Spreadsheet on Windows. It returns the current date and time in a worksheet cell.
Core tasks include:
- Insert the NOW function from the Insert Function dialog when you want guided function selection.
- Type
=NOW()directly in a cell or in the formula bar for faster entry. - Review the function syntax and description before using it in a worksheet.
This function is useful for update timestamps, daily records, attendance sheets, and other spreadsheet scenarios that need the current date and time.
System Requirements
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating system | A Windows device that can run WPS Office |
| App version | It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office |
| Network | No mandatory network connection is required for local formula entry; internet access is needed for downloads, updates, or online help |
| Other | You need to open WPS Spreadsheet and edit worksheet cells |
Download & Installation
Install WPS Office on your Windows device before using the NOW function in WPS Spreadsheet.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official download | WPS Office Free Download |
| Check after installation | Open WPS Office and confirm that the Formula tab, formula bar, and Insert Function entry are available in WPS Spreadsheet |
Source: WPS download page
Compare with Alternatives
| Dimension | WPS | Microsoft | Notion | Adobe | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capability Summary | WPS Spreadsheet on Windows lets you use the NOW function through Insert Function, direct formula entry, and function help to return the current date and time in a cell. | Microsoft Word officially supports formulas in table cells through the Formula command, but this workflow is for document tables rather than spreadsheet-style function editing. | Google Sheets officially supports typing formulas and functions directly in cells and shows a help box with the function definition and syntax during editing. | Notion officially supports now() in formulas and uses it mainly in database properties and formula fields. | Adobe Acrobat officially supports date and time fields plus calculated PDF form fields, which are designed for forms rather than spreadsheet cells. |
| WPS Advantages | Advantage: WPS combines a guided Insert Function entry with direct formula typing in a spreadsheet cell. Distinct: it fits worksheet-based date and time entry on Windows. | Compared with WPS: the official workflow is centered on Word table formulas in documents, not spreadsheet cell formulas. | Compared with WPS: it also supports formula entry and syntax help, but it is positioned in a browser-based collaborative spreadsheet environment. | Compared with WPS: now() is available, but the formula model is focused on database properties instead of traditional worksheet cells. | Compared with WPS: the official tools focus on PDF form fields and calculations instead of spreadsheet function entry. |
| Official Source | — | Use a formula in a Word table | Add formulas & functions | Formula syntax & functions | PDF form fields |
Overall Conclusion
If you want to return the current date and time in a Windows spreadsheet, WPS provides a workflow that matches common worksheet editing habits. Microsoft Word and Adobe focus more on document or form calculations, while Google Sheets and Notion support similar logic in different product environments.
Use Cases
| No. | Scenario | Suitable for | Main need | How WPS helps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Add an update timestamp | Office users | Show the current date and time in a worksheet | Enter =NOW() in the target cell |
| 2 | Insert a function with guidance | New users | Need help finding the correct function name and format | Use the Insert Function entry on the Formula tab |
| 3 | Check function syntax | Users who want to confirm usage | Need to verify the exact syntax | Review the NOW() description in function help |
| 4 | Reuse the same time formula | Data organizers | Apply the same formula to multiple cells | Enter NOW once, then copy or fill it to other cells |
| 5 | Build a dynamic time-based sheet | Project and record users | Keep a current date and time value visible in a worksheet | Use NOW in logs, attendance sheets, or status tables |
Membership & Benefits
This section explains common differences between free access and membership plans, and includes the subscription entry; the basic NOW function workflow in this guide is available without membership.
Free vs WPS Premium
| Capability | Free users | WPS Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Basic NOW function entry and calculation | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
| Basic PDF features | ✅ Available | ✅ Available with a broader feature range |
| Cloud storage | 1 GB | 20 GB |
| Template downloads | Limited | More available |
Source: WPS Office pricing page
Recommendations
| Usage scenario | Recommended plan | Why |
|---|---|---|
| You mainly need basic spreadsheet functions such as NOW | Free | Basic formula entry and editing are enough for everyday work |
| You also need more cloud storage, templates, or broader office features | WPS Premium | Better suited to heavier cross-device and extended office use |
How to Subscribe
- WPS membership center: Subscribe now
Source: WPS Office pricing page