How To Convert Time To Hours In Excel

Converting time to hours in Excel can be a straightforward process once you understand the necessary formulas and functions.

This guide will provide step-by-step instructions to help you effectively transform time data into hours.

We'll also explore why using Sourcetable can simplify this process even further than Excel.

Convert Time to Hours in Excel

Using Cell Formatting

To convert time to hours in Excel, start with changing the cell format. Select the cell with the time value, right-click, and choose 'Format Cells'. Under the 'Number' tab, select 'General' or 'Number' to display the time as a decimal.

Arithmetic Calculations

Multiply the time value by 24 to convert it to hours. Use the formula =TotalTime*24, replacing 'TotalTime' with the cell reference. This converts the time to the number of hours.

Excel Time Functions

Utilize the HOUR function to extract hours from a time value with =HOUR(Time). Combine HOUR, MINUTE, and SECOND functions to convert time to a decimal hour format, adjusting for the appropriate base (60 for minutes and seconds).

CONVERT Function

Apply the CONVERT function to change time to days, hours, or minutes. The formula is =CONVERT(Time, "unit_in", "unit_out"). Replace 'Time' with the cell reference and 'unit_in' and 'unit_out' with appropriate time units.

Handling Text Time Values

For text-formatted time, use the TIMEVALUE function before conversion. The formula =TIMEVALUE(TextTime)*24 converts text time to a decimal hour value.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If the conversion does not yield expected results, ensure the cell formatting is set to 'General' or 'Number'. Incorrect formatting often leads to unexpected outputs.

Example Formula

For a working example, use =TEXT(A1*24,"0.00") to convert the time in cell A1 to hours formatted as a decimal with two decimal places.

Excel vs. Sourcetable: A Modern Data Integration Comparison

Compare the traditional capabilities of Excel with the innovative features of Sourcetable. Excel, a long-standing leader in spreadsheet software, is challenged by Sourcetable's integrated data solutions and AI-powered assistance.

Explore how Sourcetable revolutionizes data management by aggregating multiple data sources into a single, user-friendly interface. This approach contrasts with Excel's manual data consolidation methods.

Discover the benefits of AI copilot in Sourcetable, offering real-time help in formula creation and templating. Excel users rely on their proficiency or external resources for complex tasks.

Understand the implications of Sourcetable's chat interface, simplifying the user experience. Excel requires a steep learning curve for advanced features and lacks this interactive assistance.

Consider the efficiency gains with Sourcetable for businesses needing streamlined data processes. Excel, while powerful, may not offer the same level of convenience for diverse data source integration.