SQL Server GETUTCDATE() Function

The GETUTCDATE() function in SQL Server retrieves the current Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) date and time. UTC is a time standard that doesn't observe daylight saving time; it's often used to avoid ambiguity in time-related data.

GETUTCDATE(): Definition and Usage

This function is crucial for applications requiring precise timestamps that are not affected by local time zone settings. UTC is a globally consistent time standard, making it ideal for applications that involve multiple time zones or need to avoid time zone-related errors. The returned value is a datetime value formatted as 'YYYY-MM-DD hh:mm:ss.mmm'.

Syntax


GETUTCDATE()

Example

Retrieving the Current UTC Date and Time

This query demonstrates how to obtain the current UTC date and time using GETUTCDATE().

Syntax


SELECT GETUTCDATE();

Output


2024-11-12 15:23:45.123 (Example output; the time will vary based on the server's UTC clock)

Technical Details

Return Type: datetime

Supported in:

SQL Server (starting with version 2008)
Azure SQL Database
Azure SQL Data Warehouse
Parallel Data Warehouse