How to Get Current Time in Excel – Is It AM or PM Right Now?

Excel is a powerful tool that many of us use daily for various types of data handling and analysis. When it comes to tracking time, the way Excel processes and displays the current time can be both fascinating and complex. Understanding whether it is AM or PM through Excel can streamline our processes, enhance data tracking accuracy, and save time. In this blog, we’ll walk through how we can achieve this using some of Excel’s most efficient functions and formats.

Key Takeaways:

• The NOW function provides real-time date and time updates whenever the worksheet recalculates.
• Use TEXT(NOW(), “AM/PM”) to quickly check if it’s morning or evening.
• Customize time display with formats like “hh:mm AM/PM” for clear AM/PM distinction.
• Combine NOW with text for dynamic messages, like automated greetings or timestamps.
• If NOW isn’t updating, ensure Excel’s calculation mode is set to automatic.

 

Understanding the NOW Function

Real-Time Updates

The NOW function in Excel is an indispensable tool for those of us needing real-time updates. It returns the current date and time each time our worksheet recalculates, which means every time we make a change in our spreadsheet, the result of the NOW function is automatically updated.

This feature is particularly useful in dynamic environments where time-sensitive data entry and analysis are key. For example, combining it with interactive dashboards can provide instant, up-to-date insights.

Differences Between NOW and TODAY

The NOW and TODAY functions in Excel are similar but serve distinct purposes. While both are used to retrieve date and time information, the critical difference lies in their outputs. The NOW function provides both the current date and the precise time, making it excellent for situations where time-sensitive data is crucial. In contrast, the TODAY function only returns the current date, ignoring the time component. This makes TODAY perfect for projects where only the date is important, such as calculating deadlines or age.

Both functions update automatically as the spreadsheet recalculates, keeping our information current without manual intervention.

 

Displaying Time Formats

AM vs PM in Excel

Excel allows us to differentiate between AM and PM by leveraging its powerful formatting options. When using the NOW function, the time is typically formatted to show hours, minutes, and seconds, but it can be customized to display AM or PM clearly. To do this, we can apply a custom format to our cells, such as “hh:mm AM/PM”, which explicitly delineates the time as either morning or afternoon/evening.

This differentiation is particularly vital in scheduling and logging activities, where knowing the exact time frame is essential for accurate data interpretation and decision-making.

Using Text Function

There are situations where knowing the exact time isn’t necessary — all I need is to determine whether it’s AM or PM. For instance, when creating automated greetings or managing shift schedules in a tracker, simply identifying the time of day is enough.

In such cases, I use a straightforward formula to extract just “AM” or “PM” from the current time:

=TEXT(NOW(), “AM/PM”)

This formula quickly returns either AM or PM based on the system’s current time. It’s a simple yet highly effective solution when we only need to distinguish between morning and afternoon/evening hours.

How to Use the NOW Function Effectively

Combining Text with the NOW Function

In Excel, combining text with the NOW function can create dynamic and informative data entries. To achieve this, we can use the CONCATENATE function or the ampersand (&) operator. For instance, suppose we want to generate a cell that reads “The current time is 3:45 PM.” We can use the formula ="The current time is " & TEXT(NOW(), "hh:mm AM/PM").

By wrapping the NOW function within TEXT, it formats the date and time appropriately, allowing seamless integration with textual data. This technique is invaluable for creating automatic updates in reports and logs, providing context-rich insights without manual adjustments.

Message for the Day

Once we learned how to detect AM or PM, we decided to take it a step further and make Excel greet us based on the time of day. We used a simple formula to make this happen:

=IF(TEXT(NOW(),”AM/PM”)=”AM”,”Good Morning!”,”Good Evening!”)

Now, every time we open the sheet, Excel politely reminds us whether it’s time for a coffee or time to wind down for the day. It’s a small touch, but it adds a bit of personality to our dashboards and makes working with Excel just a little more enjoyable.

 

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why is NOW Not Updating Automatically?

If the NOW function isn’t updating automatically in Excel, it might be due to the worksheet’s calculation setting being set to manual. In Excel, we can ensure automatic updates by checking the calculation settings. Go to the “Formulas” tab, click on “Calculation Options,” and ensure “Automatic” is selected.

If the settings are on “Manual,” the NOW function won’t refresh until we perform an action that triggers a calculation, such as pressing F9 or entering new data.

Solutions for Static Time Challenges

Facing static time challenges with the NOW function can be frustrating, especially when we need real-time updates. One solution is to verify that Excel’s calculation mode is set to automatic, as manual settings can delay updates. If a snapshot of the current time is what we need, copying the NOW cell and using “Paste Special” to convert it into a static value can be effective.

For those of us analyzing data at multiple timestamps, manually converting to values at each point can help. Embedding VBA macros to capture timestamps might also automate this process for more advanced needs, providing a blend of dynamic and static data efficiently.

 

FAQs

How do you check if it is AM or PM in Excel?

To check if it is AM or PM in Excel, apply a time format that includes AM/PM, such as “hh:mm AM/PM”, to a cell with a time value. This format will clearly display whether the time is in the morning or afternoon/evening. Alternatively, use the TEXT function: =TEXT(NOW(), "AM/PM") to extract and display the period.

What is the main use of the NOW function in Excel?

The main use of the NOW function in Excel is to provide the current date and time dynamically. It updates every time the workbook recalculates, making it ideal for real-time tracking, logging timestamps, and generating time-sensitive reports in dynamic environments.

Can the NOW function be used to calculate elapsed time?

Yes, the NOW function can be used to calculate elapsed time by subtracting a start date/time from the current date/time it provides. This approach helps determine how much time has passed since a specific event, offering valuable insights for time tracking and project management.

What are some limitations of using the NOW function?

The NOW function’s limitations include its automatic updating with every workbook recalculation, which might not be suitable for capturing static time data. It also can’t retain historical timestamps without manual intervention, and its reliance on the system clock means inaccuracies can occur if the system time is incorrect.

How can I convert the NOW function’s output into plain text?

To convert the NOW function’s output into plain text, use the TEXT function. Apply a formula like =TEXT(NOW(), "dd-mm-yyyy hh:mm:ss"), which formats the date and time as a plain text string. This preserves the original output without further updates or changes.