date

NOW()

Returns the current date and time.

Description

NOW returns the current date and time as a timestamp, based on the database server's clock. Unlike most functions, it doesn't take any input from your tables, it simply reports what moment it is when the query runs.

Syntax

NOW()

Parameters

NOW takes no parameters. It's always called with empty parentheses: NOW().

Return Type

NOW returns a TIMESTAMP value, which includes both the date and the time of day.

Examples

Employees & Departments

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Employees & Departments

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NOW() changes every time you run it

Because NOW() reflects the current moment, its output is different every time you execute the query, and it isn't tied to any data in your sample tables. That's why these examples run it on its own rather than joining it against employees data, joining it against a static hire_date wouldn't produce a meaningful or repeatable result.

Common Mistakes

Expecting NOW() to return a consistent value across multiple runs or across rows in the same query. Some databases guarantee the same value for every row in a single statement, but running the query again later will always give a new result.
Using NOW() to compare against sample data expecting a stable answer. Since sample datasets are static and NOW() is not, comparisons like WHERE hire_date > NOW() will behave differently depending on when you run it and aren't a reliable way to test filtering logic.
Confusing NOW() with a stored "created at" column. NOW() reflects the moment the query executes, not when a row was originally inserted into the table.