SQL NOW Function
Quick summary: The SQL NOW() function returns the current date and time.
SQL NOW Syntax
NOW()SQL
SQL NOW Basic examples
SELECT NOW();SQL
Output:
2026-02-08 14:32:00Returns the current timestamp.
SQL NOW Real-world usage
INSERT INTO logs (created_at) VALUES (NOW());SQL
Output:
1 row insertedStores creation timestamps.
SQL NOW Edge cases
SELECT NOW() = NOW();SQL
Output:
falseNOW() is evaluated per call.
SQL NOW Common mistakes
Using NOW instead of UTC time
NOW uses server timezone.
Incorrect
NOW()Correct
UTC_TIMESTAMP()Use UTC for consistent timestamps.
SQL NOW Frequently Asked Questions
What does NOW() do in SQL?
Returns the current date and time.
Use case of NOW()?
Timestamping records.
Return type?
Datetime.
Common mistake?
Expecting timezone conversion.
Is NOW() constant per query?
Yes.
Alternative?
CURRENT_TIMESTAMP.
Used in INSERT?
Yes.
Used in UPDATE?
Yes.
Performance?
Fast.
Supports timezone?
Depends on DB.
Used in logs?
Yes.
Best practice?
Use consistent timezone.