# Google Sheets TIMEVALUE Function: Syntax, Examples & Tips - URL: https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/timevalue-function - Author: Better Analyst Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account, more powerful analysis.Formula Bot is now Better Analyst—same account and workflows, with more powerful analysis, dashboards, and automation. [Learn what changed](https://betteranalyst.com/formula-bot-is-now-better-analyst) The TIMEVALUE function converts a time represented as text into a decimal number that Google Sheets recognizes as a time value. ``` TIMEVALUE(time_string) ``` Generate FormulaExplain Formula One free generation or explanation per browser, shared across Excel and Google Sheets. Account usage limits apply afterward. Describe the TIMEVALUE you need in plain EnglishGenerate Formula ## Parameters **`time_string`**:\ A text representation of a time that you want to convert into a time value. This should be in a format recognized by Google Sheets, such as "HH:MM:SS" or "HH:MM AM/PM". ## What is TIMEVALUE? The *TIMEVALUE* function in Google Sheets is a useful tool that converts a time represented as text into a time value that Google Sheets can recognize and use in calculations. This function is particularly helpful when dealing with time data that is not in a standard time format, allowing you to perform time-related calculations seamlessly. In simpler terms, TIMEVALUE allows you to take a string that represents a time (like "2:30 PM") and convert it into a format that Google Sheets can work with for further calculations or analysis. ## A Practical Example Imagine you are tracking employee work hours in a Google Sheets document: ### Work Hours Table: | EmployeeID | StartTime | EndTime | | - | - | - | | 001 | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | | 002 | 10:30 AM | 6:30 PM | You want to calculate the total hours worked by each employee based on the StartTime and EndTime. ## TIMEVALUE Formula To achieve this, you would use the TIMEVALUE function as follows: ``` =(TIMEVALUE(C2) - TIMEVALUE(B2)) * 24 ``` In this formula: - `C2` is the cell containing the EndTime. - `B2` is the cell containing the StartTime. - The result is multiplied by 24 to convert the time difference from days to hours. ## Result of the Formula When you apply the TIMEVALUE formula to the Work Hours Table, the output would look like this: | EmployeeID | StartTime | EndTime | Hours Worked | | - | - | - | - | | 001 | 9:00 AM | 5:00 PM | 8 | | 002 | 10:30 AM | 6:30 PM | 8 | In this case, the formula calculates the hours worked for each employee based on their StartTime and EndTime. ## Why Use TIMEVALUE? TIMEVALUE is beneficial because it simplifies the process of converting text-based time into a usable format for calculations. It allows for accurate time tracking and analysis without the need for manual conversions. Additionally, it helps maintain consistency in time data across your spreadsheet. ## Key Takeaways: - **TIMEVALUE**: A Google Sheets function that converts text-based time into a time value for calculations. - **Ease of Use**: Simplifies the process of working with time data, especially when it is not in a standard format. - **Accurate Calculations**: Ensures that time-related calculations are accurate and reliable. - **Common Use Cases**: Ideal for time tracking, scheduling, and any scenario where time data needs to be converted for analysis. TIMEVALUE is an essential function for anyone working with time data in Google Sheets, providing a powerful way to enhance time management and reporting capabilities. Happy spreadsheeting! ## Example use case You have a schedule in Column A with time entries as text. Use the TIMEVALUE formula to convert these text entries into time values in Column B. This allows for accurate time calculations and formatting, enhancing your scheduling efficiency. ## Need more help with Google Sheets formulas? Sign up for Better Analyst and get unlimited AI-powered formula generation, explanations, and advanced data analysis. [Create Free Account](https://betteranalyst.com/signup)[Try Formula Generator](https://betteranalyst.com/excel-ai) ## Google Sheets how-to guides - [How To Find Duplicates In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-find-duplicates-in-google-sheets) - [How To Freeze A Row In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-freeze-a-row-in-google-sheets) - [How To Freeze Panes In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-freeze-panes-in-google-sheets) - [How To Highlight Duplicates In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-highlight-duplicates-in-google-sheets) - [How To Insert Checkbox In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-checkbox-in-google-sheets) - [How To Insert Multiple Rows In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-insert-multiple-rows-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock A Row In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-a-row-in-google-sheets) - [How To Lock Cells In Google Sheets](https://betteranalyst.com/google-sheets/how-to-lock-cells-in-google-sheets) ## Explore all Google Sheets formulas Browse our complete library of Google Sheets formula guides Compare your options ## Decide with evidence, not a sales pitch. 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