How to Convert Time to Decimal Hours, Minutes, and Seconds in Excel

⏱️ How to Convert Time to Decimal Hours, Minutes, or Seconds in Excel – Full Detailed Guide

In Excel, time values are stored as fractions of a day. To use these time values in calculations, billing, payroll, or analysis, you often need to convert time into decimal hours, minutes, or seconds.

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✅ Understanding Excel Time

• 1 full day = 1
• 12:00 PM (half day) = 0.5
• 6:00 AM = 0.25

So, when you enter 2:30 (2 hours 30 mins), Excel stores it as:
2.5 hours ÷ 24 = 0.104166667

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🔄 Convert Time to Decimal Hours, Minutes, Seconds

Assume your time value is in cell A2

Time (A2)
2:30

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🔹 1. Convert Time to Decimal Hours

Formula:

=A2*24

Explanation:

• Excel stores time as a fraction of 24 hours, so multiplying by 24 gives the time in decimal hours.

Result: 2.5

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🔹 2. Convert Time to Decimal Minutes

Formula:

=A2*24*60

Or simply:

=A2*1440

Result: 150 minutes

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🔹 3. Convert Time to Decimal Seconds

Formula:

=A2*24*60*60

Or simply:

=A2*86400

Result: 9000 seconds

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🧠 Pro Tip: Handle Time > 24 Hours

If time exceeds 24 hours (e.g., 28:15), make sure to:

1. Format the time cell (A2):
   • Right-click → Format Cells → Custom → Type: [h]:mm
2. Use the same formulas as above; Excel will still calculate correctly.

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📌 Real-World Use Cases

Use Case	Convert To
Employee shift logs	Decimal hours
Call duration logs	Minutes/seconds
Billing hours	Decimal hours
Machine run-time	Hours/minutes

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Includes billing automation, payroll calculations, and time analytics examples.

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