How to get current time zone and display in cell in Excel?
When working with Excel spreadsheets, particularly in collaborative or international contexts, it can be important to know the exact time zone set on the system you are using. By identifying and displaying your current system time zone directly in an Excel cell, you can ensure the accuracy of time-sensitive calculations, reporting, or data comparison—especially if files may be shared across users in different regions. Unfortunately, Excel doesn’t provide a built-in function to extract system time zone information directly within a cell.
Get current time zone and display in cell with User-defined function
Get current time zone and display in cell with User-defined function
To extract and display your system's current time zone directly into an Excel cell, you can use a user-defined function (UDF) written in VBA. This method provides a practical solution, particularly when you frequently need this information inside your workbook. Here’s how to do it step by step:
Note: This approach works best if macros are enabled in your Excel environment and you are allowed to run VBA code. It reads the regional setting directly from the Windows system configured on your computer.
1. Press the Alt + F11 keys simultaneously. This opens the Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) editor window.
2. In the VBA editor, locate the project pane on the left, then click Insert > Module. This adds a new module to your workbook where you can enter custom code. Carefully copy and paste the following VBA code into the blank module window:
VBA code: Get current time zone in Excel
Function GetTimeZoneAtPresent() As String
'Updated by Extendoffice 20180814
Dim xObjIs, xObjI
On Error GoTo ER
Set xObjIs = GetObject("winmgmts:\\.\root\cimv2").ExecQuery("Select * From Win32_TimeZone")
If xObjIs.Count = 1 Then
For Each xObjI In xObjIs
If Len(xObjI.Caption) > 1 Then
GetTimeZoneAtPresent = xObjI.Caption
Exit Function
Else
GetTimeZoneAtPresent = "Null"
Exit Function
End If
Next
End If
ER:
GetTimeZoneAtPresent = "Failed"
End FunctionBe sure to copy the entire code above. Before you run macros or the UDF, make sure your macro settings allow you to run code. If you encounter an error or security warning, adjust your macro settings via File > Options > Trust Center > Trust Center Settings > Macro Settings.
3. After pasting the code, press Alt + Q to close the VBA editor and return to Excel.
4. Choose any cell where you want to display the time zone, enter this formula: =GetTimeZoneAtPresent(), then press Enter. The current time zone set on your system should appear instantly in the selected cell.
This method is particularly effective for automated reporting templates or dashboards that may be shared across colleagues in different geographic locations where time zone clarity is essential. However, remember that UDFs will work only when the workbook is saved as a macro-enabled file (.xlsm). If you transfer the file or send it to someone with macros disabled, the result may not be updated or displayed.
See screenshot for clarity:
If the result does not appear or an error is displayed, check that:
- Your macro settings permit running VBA code.
- The code was copied entirely and without modification.
- You are not in Excel Online or a restricted environment (VBA solutions are limited to desktop Excel).
To update or refresh the time zone information, simply recalculate the sheet (press F9) or re-enter the formula if the system's time zone has changed during your Excel session.
Tip: This result will reflect your computer’s operating system settings. If you share the file, each user can see their own system’s time zone by recalculating the formula in their local Excel environment.
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