Add a timestamp when a row is updated in Google Sheets

What it does

This automation watches a sheet for any change. When a row is updated, it writes {now()} — the current date and time — into a column on that same row. It’s the simplest way to keep a “last modified” stamp without scripts, perfect for trackers, logs, and to-do lists.

How to set it up

1. Install Sheet Automation from the Google Workspace Marketplace and open it from your sheet.
2. Pick a column to hold the timestamp, e.g. column A.
3. Pick the “Add timestamp when row is updated” template and set the timestamp column.
4. Save, then edit any row to test — the timestamp updates automatically.

The ready-made template

Add timestamp when row is updated — Trigger: any value is updated → Action: write the current date and time into a column on that row. Edit it live below:

How to use this template

The builder above is a live preview of this automation. To run it in your own spreadsheet:

1. Click Add to Google Sheets to install Sheet Automation (free).
2. Open it from your sheet: Extensions → Sheet Automation → Open.
3. Open the Templates tab and choose “Add timestamp when row is updated”.
4. Adjust the fields to match your data, then click Save.
5. Trigger it once to confirm the automation runs.

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