The Excel TIMEVALUE function converts a time stored as text into a time serial — a fraction of a day — so you can subtract times, sum durations, and chart text-based time data.
Syntax
| Argument | Description | |
|---|---|---|
time_text | Required | A time written as text, e.g. "2:30 PM" or "14:30:00". |
How to use it
TIMEVALUE ignores any date in the text and returns only the time fraction (0 = midnight, 0.5 = noon). Format the cell as time to read it. Pair with DATEVALUE to rebuild a full timestamp from text.
Remember Excel’s date system: every date is a serial number (days since Jan 1, 1900 — so 1 = that day, 46000-ish = today) and every time is a fraction of a day (0.5 = noon). If a result shows a raw number, just apply a date or time cell format.
Try it: interactive demo
Adjust the input and watch the formula and result update.
Tips & gotchas
Convert a text time into a real time serial so durations calculate. Format result cells as Date or Time so they don’t display raw serial numbers.
Practice workbook
Frequently asked questions
What does the decimal mean?
Does it keep the date part?
Why #VALUE!?
How do I sum text durations?
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