SQL Server GETDATE() Function

The GETDATE() function in SQL Server retrieves the current date and time from the database server's system clock. This function is very useful for adding timestamps to your data or for performing time-based calculations within your SQL queries.

GETDATE(): Definition and Usage

GETDATE() is commonly used to record when a database event occurs, to track changes in data, or to generate time-sensitive reports. The returned datetime value is formatted as 'YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss.mmm'. Keep in mind that the time returned is the time on the *server* where the database is running, which might differ from the time on your client machine.

Syntax

Syntax

GETDATE()

Return Type

GETDATE() returns a datetime value.

Example

Retrieving the Current Date and Time

This query demonstrates obtaining the current datetime from the SQL Server instance.

Syntax

SELECT GETDATE();
Output

2024-11-16 11:38:42.123 (Example output - the actual time will vary)

Related Function

For getting the current timestamp in UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), see the GETUTCDATE() function.

**Note:** The example output shows a sample datetime value. The actual output will reflect the current date and time on your SQL Server instance when you execute the query. The milliseconds (`.123`) part might have fewer digits depending on your server configuration.