Insert Current Time in Excel
This shortcut allows you to quickly insert the current time into a selected cell without typing it manually. Useful for timestamping tasks or logging events.
Keyboard Shortcut
| Windows | Mac |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + ; | Cmd + Shift + ; |
What Does This Shortcut Do?
Pressing this shortcut inserts the current system time into the active cell. The value is static and does not update automatically.
How to Use the Shortcut
- Select the cell where you want the current time
- Press Ctrl + Shift + ; (Windows) or Cmd + Shift + ; (Mac)
- The current time will appear in the selected cell
Tips & Best Practices
- Use for logging start/end times of tasks or events
- Combine with Ctrl + ; (Insert Current Date) for full timestamp
- Format the cell as needed for 12-hour or 24-hour time
FAQ
- Q: Will the time update automatically?
- No, this inserts a static value. Use
=NOW()for a dynamic timestamp. - Q: Can I insert times in multiple cells at once?
- Yes, select multiple cells and press Ctrl + Shift + ; to fill them all with the current time.