versioned_docs/version-2.0/sql-manual/sql-functions/date-time-functions/now.md

---
{
    "title": "NOW",
    "language": "en"
}
---

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## Description

The function retrieves the current system time and returns it as a datetime value (`DATETIME`). An optional precision
can be specified to adjust the number of digits in the fractional seconds part of the return value.

## Syntax

```sql
NOW([<precision>])
```

## Parameters

| Parameter     | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|---------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| `<precision>` | Optional parameter specifying the precision of the fractional seconds part in the return value. The range is 0 to 6, and the default is 0 (no fractional seconds). <br/>Limited by the JDK implementation: if FE is built with JDK8, the precision supports up to milliseconds (3 fractional digits), and higher precision digits will be filled with 0. If higher precision is required, please use JDK11. |

## Return Value

- Returns the current system time as a DATETIME type.
- If the specified `<precision>` is out of range (e.g., negative or greater than 6), the function will return an error.

## Example

```sql
select NOW(), NOW(3), NOW(6);
```

```text
+---------------------+-------------------------+----------------------------+
| now()               | now(3)                  | now(6)                     |
+---------------------+-------------------------+----------------------------+
| 2025-01-23 11:08:35 | 2025-01-23 11:08:35.561 | 2025-01-23 11:08:35.562000 |
+---------------------+-------------------------+----------------------------+
```