SQL Server SYSDATETIME() Function

The SYSDATETIME() function in SQL Server retrieves the current date and time from the server's system clock. This is invaluable for logging events, creating timestamps in your database, or for any application that requires the server's current date and time.

SYSDATETIME(): Definition and Usage

SYSDATETIME() provides a precise timestamp, reflecting the time on the server where your SQL Server database is running. It's important to understand that this time is based on the server's clock and might differ from the client machine's clock.

Syntax

Syntax

SYSDATETIME()

Return Type

The function returns a datetime2(7) value.

Example

Getting the Server's Current Date and Time

This query gets the current date and time from the SQL Server instance.

Syntax

SELECT SYSDATETIME() AS SysDateTime;
Output

SysDateTime
-----------------------
2024-11-06 15:36:22.1234567 (Example; the exact time will vary)

Technical Details

The SYSDATETIME() function is available in:

  • SQL Server (starting with version 2008)
  • Azure SQL Database
  • Azure SQL Data Warehouse
  • Parallel Data Warehouse
**Note:** The output's exact time will vary depending on when you run the query. The fractional seconds (`.1234567`) might have fewer digits depending on your SQL Server configuration.