Insert current time in Excel
Stamp the current time into a cell: Ctrl+Shift+; (Windows) or ⌘⇧; (Mac).
| Action | Mac | Windows | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insert current time | ⌘⇧; | Ctrl+Shift+; | |
| Insert current date | ⌘; | Ctrl+; | |
| Edit cell | ⌃U | F2 | |
| Fill down | ⌘D | Ctrl+D |
Timestamp a cell
Select a cell and press Ctrl+Shift+; (Windows) or ⌘⇧; (Mac). Excel inserts the current time as a static value — it does not update. For the date, use Ctrl+; / ⌘;.
Static vs live
This stamp is frozen. For a time that recalculates, use =NOW() instead.
FAQ
What is the insert-time shortcut in Excel?
Press Ctrl+Shift+; on Windows or ⌘⇧; on Mac to insert the current time into the selected cell.
Does the time update automatically?
No — the shortcut inserts a static value. Use =NOW() for a time that recalculates.
How do I insert today's date instead?
Press Ctrl+; on Windows or ⌘; on Mac.