How to Use the NOW Function in WPS on Windows

Last updated:July 17, 2026

This guide includes 3 how-to topics for using the NOW function in WPS Spreadsheets on Windows, and all 3 are available without membership.

How-to Index

No.TopicMembership Requirement
11. Enter the NOW functionFree
22. View syntax guidanceFree
33. Fix incorrect results or recalculateFree

How-to Guide

1. Enter the NOW function

Entry point: Formula tab → Formula bar

  1. Open WPS Spreadsheets and select the cell where you want to enter the formula.
  2. Type = in the formula bar or directly in the cell.
  3. Continue by typing NOW(.
  4. Press Enter to confirm and check the result in the cell.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: The cell shows the current date and time.
  • Next action available: You can continue editing, copying, or using the result in other formulas.

Tips While Using

  • Start the formula with =.
  • Make sure the parentheses are complete before confirming the formula.

2. View syntax guidance

Entry point: Formula tab → Formula bar

  1. Select the target cell.
  2. Type =NOW(.
  3. Watch for the automatic syntax guidance and example prompt.
  4. Complete the formula based on the prompt and confirm it.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: Syntax guidance appears while the function is being entered.
  • Next action available: You can continue entering the formula with the prompt as a reference.

Tips While Using

  • The formula bar is helpful when you are entering longer formulas.
  • If no prompt appears, check whether the function name and parentheses were entered correctly.

3. Fix incorrect results or recalculate

Entry point: Formula tab → Current worksheet

  1. Check whether the formula syntax is correct, including symbols and parentheses.
  2. Check whether related cells contain content that affects the result.
  3. If you need to refresh the result, press F9 to recalculate manually.
  4. Review the date and time result in the cell again.

Success Criteria

  • On-screen result: The error is cleared or the time result is refreshed.
  • Next action available: The worksheet remains available for continued editing and calculation.

Tips While Using

  • Text-formatted numbers or circular references can affect the result.
  • If you need a refreshed time value, recalculate first and then review the displayed result.