What happens when you utilize the NOW function in a worksheet?

The NOW function in Excel is designed to return the current date and time in a single cell. When you use this function, it provides a timestamp that reflects both components: the date and the precise time at which the function was called.

This dynamic behavior is particularly useful in scenarios where you need to log the exact time an entry was made or to track changes over time. Unlike some other functions in Excel that might refer only to the date or time, the NOW function captures both elements.

When the worksheet recalculates, the value generated by the NOW function updates to reflect the current date and time, which is why it is commonly used in time-sensitive calculations and logging applications.

While options suggesting it only shows the current date or time are incorrect, it's also notable that the NOW function updates automatically during recalculations, making it dynamic rather than static or requiring manual updates.