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How to use the TIMEVALUE Function in Google Sheets

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发布日期: 2024年3月11日

Returns the fraction of a 24-hour day the time represents.

The TIMEVALUE function in Google Sheets converts a time in the form of a text string into a decimal number representing that time in Google Sheets' internal time format. This functionality is crucial for performing calculations with times stored as text, enabling comparisons, calculations, and conversions between time formats.

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Benefits of Using the TIMEVALUE Function

Facilitates Time Calculations: Allows for mathematical operations on times represented as text.
Enhances Data Compatibility: Converts text-based time data into a format compatible with Google Sheets' built-in time functions.
Improves Data Analysis: Enables the analysis of time data by converting text times into a quantifiable format.
Streamlines Data Import: Useful for standardizing time data imported from various sources that might not adhere to a uniform format.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understanding the Syntax

TIMEVALUE(time_string)time_string: The text string that represents the time you want to convert. The time string must be in a format recognized by Google Sheets.

Step 2: Preparing Your Data

Ensure your spreadsheet includes time data in text format. For instance, you might have a column of times stored as strings in various formats.

Step 3: Applying the TIMEVALUE Function

Select the Output Cell: Choose the cell where you want to display the converted time value.
Input the Function: Enter =TIMEVALUE(, followed by the cell reference containing the time string or the time string itself enclosed in quotation marks.

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Example

Imagine you have a list of event start times in column A, stored as text in various formats, and you wish to calculate the duration of each event, given an end time in column B.

Data Setup: Event start times (as text) are in Column A, and end times (in Google Sheets' time format) are in Column B.
Objective: Convert start times to Google Sheets' time format in Column C and calculate event durations in Column D.
Implementation:Convert Start Times: In C2, input =TIMEVALUE(A2) and drag down to apply to all start times.Calculate Durations: In D2, input =B2-C2 to calculate the duration of the first event. Format Column D as 'Duration', and drag the formula down.

Advanced Tips

Handling Various Formats: Use TIMEVALUE in conjunction with IFERROR to handle text times in multiple formats gracefully.
Combining with DATEVALUE: For datetime strings, separate the date and time components using DATEVALUE and TIMEVALUE respectively, then add the results for calculations.
Formatting Results: Use the Format menu to customize how converted time values are displayed, choosing between time or duration formats based on your needs.
Dynamic Time Data: Combine TIMEVALUE with IMPORTDATA or QUERY for dynamic conversion of time data from external sources or databases.