Date & Time

TIMEVALUE Function in Excel

Converts a time stored as text to a decimal number.

Syntax

  • =TIMEVALUE(time_text)

Arguments

  • time_text (required): Text representing a time

Examples

  • =TIMEVALUE("6:00 AM") - Convert to decimal - Result: 0.25
  • =TIMEVALUE("12:00:00") - Noon as decimal - Result: 0.5

Excel TIMEVALUE function documentation

  • TIMEVALUE converts a text time into an Excel time serial fraction of a day.
  • Syntax: =TIMEVALUE(time_text). Use it before hour-based KPIs and shift logic.
  • TIMEVALUE is ideal when imported time strings are not recognized as numeric times.
  • Category reference: [/categories/date-time/](/categories/date-time/).

TIMEVALUE syntax and parsing behavior

  • time_text is required and should look like a valid time pattern in your locale.
  • TIMEVALUE ignores date text and returns only the time fraction.
  • Format output cells as Time to show readable hh:mm results.
  • Returns #VALUE! when the input string cannot be parsed into time.

Step-by-step: normalize imported shift times

  • Step 1 - Keep raw text times in column A such as 8:30 PM.
  • Step 2 - In B2 use =TIMEVALUE(A2).
  • Step 3 - Format B as Time and copy formula down.
  • Step 4 - Use =HOUR(B2) or =MINUTE(B2) for reporting dimensions.

TIMEVALUE vs TIME vs HOUR

  • TIMEVALUE parses time strings already present as text.
  • TIME builds a time serial from numeric hour, minute, and second parts.
  • HOUR extracts only one component and does not parse arbitrary text by itself.
  • Date component construction belongs to [DATE](/functions/date/) workflows.

Worked examples to copy

  • Simple parse: =TIMEVALUE("14:45").
  • With AM/PM text: =TIMEVALUE("3:15 PM").
  • From cell input: =TIMEVALUE(A2).
  • Total minutes from text: =TIMEVALUE(A2)*1440.

People also ask

  • Why is TIMEVALUE showing decimals? - Format the cell as Time instead of General.
  • Does TIMEVALUE parse seconds? - Yes, valid second components are preserved.
  • TIMEVALUE vs VALUE for time text? - TIMEVALUE is clearer and safer for time parsing.
  • Can TIMEVALUE read full datetime text? - It extracts time if parsing succeeds.

Common errors

  • #VALUE! if text cannot be parsed as time

Use cases

  • Import text times
  • Time calculations
  • Data conversion

Frequently asked questions

  • What is TIMEVALUE in Excel? TIMEVALUE converts text that looks like time into Excel's decimal time format. Excel stores time as fractions of a day: 6 AM = 0.25 (quarter day), noon = 0.5 (half day), 6 PM = 0.75. This enables time calculations.
  • How do I convert text time to actual time format? Use =TIMEVALUE(A1) then format the cell as Time. Or combine with date: =TODAY()+TIMEVALUE(A1). For text like '14:30', TIMEVALUE returns 0.604166... which displays as 2:30 PM when formatted as time.
  • Why does TIMEVALUE return #VALUE! error? TIMEVALUE returns #VALUE! when it cannot parse the text as time. Check for typos, extra spaces, or unsupported formats. Use TRIM() to remove spaces: =TIMEVALUE(TRIM(A1)). Supported formats include '2:30 PM', '14:30', '2:30:00'.

Editorial review

  • Reviewed by Excel.Directory Editorial Team. Updated May 2026.

When to use TIMEVALUE

  • Import text times — common Date & Time scenario for TIMEVALUE.
  • Time calculations — common Date & Time scenario for TIMEVALUE.
  • Data conversion — common Date & Time scenario for TIMEVALUE.

TIMEVALUE in the Date & Time category

  • Browse all Date & Time functions at /categories/date-time/ for related formulas.
  • TIMEVALUE syntax: =TIMEVALUE(time_text)
  • time_text (required): Text representing a time
  • Confirm TIMEVALUE arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.

Formula checklist before you copy down

  • Confirm TIMEVALUE arguments match the syntax shown above before filling down.
  • Lock table and range references with $ when copying formulas across rows or sheets.
  • If results look wrong, check for text stored as numbers and invisible spaces with TRIM.
  • Spot-check three known input rows manually against expected output.

Related Excel functions

  • TIME (/functions/time/): Returns the decimal number for a particular time.
  • DATEVALUE (/functions/datevalue/): Converts a date stored as text to a serial number that Excel recognizes as a date.
  • VALUE (/functions/value/): Converts a text string that represents a number to a number.

Errors to watch for

  • #VALUE! if text cannot be parsed as time — review causes on linked error pages in the directory.

Copy-paste audit workflow

  • Enter TIMEVALUE on three test rows with known expected output documented on a QA tab.
  • Fill down only after absolute references are locked on lookup tables and rate tables.
  • Compare against manual calculation or a calculator for financial and statistical functions.
  • Search this directory for comparison guides when choosing between similar functions in the same category.

TIMEVALUE worked examples to copy

  • =TIMEVALUE("6:00 AM") — Convert to decimal. Expected result: 0.25.
  • =TIMEVALUE("12:00:00") — Noon as decimal. Expected result: 0.5.

TIMEVALUE reference summary for crawlers and offline review

  • TIMEVALUE belongs to the Date & Time category in Excel. Converts a time stored as text to a decimal number.
  • Full syntax: =TIMEVALUE(time_text). Open /functions/timevalue/ for parameters, FAQs, and related pages.
  • Common mistakes: #VALUE! if text cannot be parsed as time
  • Pair this function with comparison guides when another Excel formula might fit the same task better.
  • Review fix-excel-formula-errors when unexpected errors appear after upgrading Excel or sharing across locales.