Mastering Google Sheets Time Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide delves into the intricacies of time calculations within Google Sheets, covering time differences, addition/subtraction, summation, and date/time extraction.

Calculating Time Differences

Efficient time tracking is crucial for project management. Google Sheets offers several methods for calculating elapsed time:

Method 1: Direct Subtraction

For simple time difference calculations (end time minus start time), a straightforward subtraction formula suffices: =B2-A2 (assuming start time in A2, end time in B2). The default format is "hh:mm". Custom formats (h, hh:mm:ss, or Duration) provide greater control over the output.

Method 2: TEXT Function

The TEXT function offers precise formatting control:

• =TEXT(B2-A2,"h") (hours only)
• =TEXT(B2-A2,"h:mm") (hours and minutes)
• =TEXT(B2-A2,"h:mm:ss") (hours, minutes, and seconds)

Note: TEXT returns text, preventing further calculations.

Method 3: Individual Time Units

Extract specific time units (hours, minutes, seconds):

• Hours: =(B2-A2)*24 (decimal hours) or =INT((B2-A2)*24) (whole hours)
• Minutes: =(B2-A2)*1440
• Seconds: =(B2-A2)*86400

Alternatively, apply a custom date and time format after subtraction for flexible unit display.

Method 4: Dedicated Time Functions

For differences within 24 hours, HOUR(B2-A2), MINUTE(B2-A2), and SECOND(B2-A2) return individual units.

Adding and Subtracting Time

Use either basic arithmetic or the TIME function (for values under 24 hours, 60 minutes, or 60 seconds). For larger values, use fractional days (hours/24, minutes/1440, seconds/86400).

Summing Time

The SUM function totals time values; adjust the format for optimal display.

Extracting Date and Time

Separate date and time from combined entries:

Method 1: Number Formatting

Use Format > Number to display only date or time; this is for visual display only, not further calculations.

Method 2: Formulas

• Date: =ROUNDDOWN(A2,0) (extracts the integer part)
• Time: =A2-B2 (subtracts the date to leave the time)

Method 3: "Split Date & Time" Add-on

This add-on simplifies batch date/time separation.

Practice Spreadsheet:

[Link to Example Spreadsheet](This would be a link to a sample Google Sheet)

This guide provides a comprehensive toolkit for managing time data in Google Sheets. Remember to choose the method best suited to your specific needs and data format.

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