Which of the following is the shortcut to enter the current time in MS Excel?

The correct answer is Ctrl+Shift+colon (:).

Key Points

• The shortcut Ctrl+Shift+colon (:) is used to enter the current time in MS Excel.
• This shortcut automatically inserts the system time into the selected cell.
• The time entered using this shortcut is static and does not update automatically.
• It is different from the NOW() function, which dynamically updates both the date and time.
• Use this shortcut in situations where a record of the exact time is needed.

Additional Information

• Excel Shortcuts for Date and Time:
  • Ctrl+semi-colon (;): Inserts the current date in the selected cell.
  • Ctrl+Shift+colon (:): Inserts the current time in the selected cell.
  • NOW() function: Displays both the current date and time dynamically.
• Static vs Dynamic Data in Excel:
  • Static data does not change once entered (e.g., using shortcuts).
  • Dynamic data updates automatically based on system settings (e.g., using functions like NOW()).
• Importance of Tracking Time:
  • Useful in time-sensitive tasks like project management or log creation.
  • Ensures accuracy in records for audits or reporting.
• Excel Functionalities:
  • Excel supports a variety of shortcuts to improve efficiency and accuracy.
  • Time-related functions are commonly used for scheduling, tracking, and data analysis.