In MySQL, the CURRENT_TIME function can be used to return the current time.

This function is actually a synonym for CURTIME() which returns the current time, so you can choose which function you prefer to use.

Both functions return the current time as a value in ‘HH:MM:SS’ or HHMMSS format, depending on whether the function is used in a string or numeric context.

Syntax

You can use either of the following forms:

CURRENT_TIME
CURRENT_TIME([fsp])

The (optional) fsp argument can be used to provide the fractional seconds precision. If provided, the return value will include fractional seconds up to the number provided. You can specify a fsp value between 0 and 6.

Therefore, if you need to specify the fractional seconds precision, you’ll need to use the second syntax.

As mentioned, you can also use the following if preferred:

CURTIME([fsp])

Example – String Context

Here’s an example of using CURRENT_TIME in a string context.

SELECT CURRENT_TIME;

Result:

+--------------+
| CURRENT_TIME |
+--------------+
| 10:02:31     |
+--------------+

And here’s an example of using both forms of the syntax, side by side, along with the CURTIME() function:

SELECT 
    CURRENT_TIME,
    CURRENT_TIME(),
    CURTIME();

Result:

+--------------+----------------+-----------+
| CURRENT_TIME | CURRENT_TIME() | CURTIME() |
+--------------+----------------+-----------+
| 10:03:07     | 10:03:07       | 10:03:07  |
+--------------+----------------+-----------+

Example – Numeric Context

Here’s an example of using CURRENT_TIME in a numeric context.

SELECT CURRENT_TIME + 0;

Result:

+------------------+
| CURRENT_TIME + 0 |
+------------------+
|           100425 |
+------------------+

In this example I added zero to the time. But I could also have added another number.

Example – Fractional Seconds Precision

Here’s an example of specifying a fractional seconds precision of 6.

SELECT CURRENT_TIME(6);

Result:

+-----------------+
| CURRENT_TIME(6) |
+-----------------+
| 10:05:24.091083 |
+-----------------+