NOW in WPS on Windows: Introduction

NOW in WPS is a date and time function in WPS multi-dimensional tables that 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 in WPS multi-dimensional tables helps with how to use the NOW function in WPS on Windows by returning the current date and time after recalculation or refresh. You can use it directly in a formula field, or combine it with other date, logic, and calculation functions for timestamps, due-date checks, and dynamic dashboards.

Core tasks include:

Return the current date and time for dynamic time values and update records.
Use NOW in a formula field inside structured table records.
Combine NOW with other functions for date checks, conditions, and workflow logic.

System Requirements

Item	Requirement
Operating system	A Windows device that can run WPS Office normally
App version	It is recommended to use the latest version of WPS Office
Network	Local formula calculation does not require a constant internet connection; sign-in, sync, and collaboration features do
Other	You need access to the multi-dimensional table and permission to add or edit formula fields

Download & Installation

Item	Details
Official download	WPS Office Free Download
Check after installation	Open WPS Office, enter a multi-dimensional table, and confirm that you can add a Formula field

Source: WPS download page

Compare with Alternatives

Dimension	WPS	Microsoft	Google	Notion	Adobe
Capability Summary	Returns the current date and time in a formula field inside a multi-dimensional table, and can be combined with other functions for dynamic record views.	Excel `NOW()` takes no arguments and returns the current date and time when the worksheet recalculates.	Google Sheets `NOW()` returns the current date and time and is a volatile function that updates on edits or recalculation.	Notion database formulas support `now()` to return the current date and time for date comparison and formatting.	Acrobat mainly provides date/time form fields and calculated fields rather than a spreadsheet-style `NOW()` function.
WPS Advantages	Advantage: It fits structured record views in multi-dimensional tables instead of only single-cell spreadsheet use. Distinct: It works naturally with table fields for record-based display.	Compared with WPS: Focuses more on traditional spreadsheet cell calculation.	Compared with WPS: Works well in spreadsheet cells, but volatile recalculation can affect sheet behavior more directly.	Compared with WPS: Fits database formula scenarios, but it is not a spreadsheet cell model.	Compared with WPS: Better suited to PDF form date/time input and calculations, not table formula workflows.
Official Source	—	Excel NOW function	Google Sheets NOW	Notion formula syntax	Acrobat PDF form fields

Overall Conclusion
If your main goal is dynamic date and time display inside structured records, WPS offers a workflow that is closer to table-based data management. Excel and Google Sheets are stronger matches for traditional spreadsheet cells, Notion is closer to database formulas, and Adobe is centered on PDF forms.

Use Cases

No.	Scenario	Suitable For	Main Need	Solution
1	Record update timestamps	Project members	Show the latest time in each record	Use NOW in a formula field to return the current date and time
2	Due-date status checks	Operations and admin teams	Compare the current time with a target date	Combine NOW with date comparison functions
3	Dynamic dashboard display	Team managers	View a live date and time reference in a table view	Display the NOW result in a table field
4	Formula testing and review	Table maintainers	Confirm whether recalculation works as expected	Observe time changes after recalculation with NOW
5	Conditional workflow support	Data coordinators	Use the current time as a condition input	Nest NOW inside formulas such as IF

Membership & Benefits

Free vs WPS Premium

Capability	Free Users	WPS Premium
Basic NOW function usage	✅	✅
Formula field usage in multi-dimensional tables	✅	✅
Advanced PDF tools and broader office benefits	Some features are limited	More advanced capabilities are included
Cloud storage	1 GB	20 GB or more depending on the plan
Templates and some AI features	Partly available or limited	Broader access is available

Source: WPS Office pricing page

Recommendations

Scenario	Recommended Plan	Why
Everyday use of the NOW function and basic table editing	Free	It already covers current date and time return and standard formula usage
Need more PDF tools, cloud storage, or broader office features	WPS Premium	Better for users who also need additional office benefits

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