TIMEVALUE function

Quick answer

TIMEVALUE converts a time written as text, such as "1:30 PM" or "13:30", into a real time you can add, subtract and format.

Syntax: =TIMEVALUE(time_text)
Most common use: =TIMEVALUE(A2) returns 1:30 PM ("1:30 PM" as a real time)

Use it on times imported as text or built with text functions. If the text also contains a date, TIMEVALUE keeps only the time.

Available in: Every current version
Category: Date functions
Returns: A fraction of a day from 0 to just under 1; #VALUE! if the text isn't a time.
Google Sheets: Works the same in Google Sheets.

Syntax

=TIMEVALUE(time_text)

Argument	Required?	What it is
`time_text`	Required	The time as text, such as "1:30 PM".

Each result below is calculated from the sample sheet by our formula engine, the same one that grades the practice.

Cell	Formula	Result	What it shows
B2	=TIMEVALUE(A2)	1:30 PM	"1:30 PM" as a real time
B3	=TIMEVALUE(A3)	7:45 AM	24-hour text works too
B4	=TIMEVALUE(A4)	6:20 PM	Only the time is kept from a date and time

This is the sample sheet. Change any number or text, or edit a formula, and the results update.

Show the sample data as a table

Graded instantly, then re-checked on changed data.

Start and end times in A2:B6 were imported as text. In C2, calculate each shift's length in hours. Fill down to C6.

What you see	Why, and how to fix it
#VALUE!	The text isn't a time Excel recognizes, or the cell already holds a real time. TIMEVALUE wants text.
A decimal	Format the result as a time.

=(TIMEVALUE(B2)-TIMEVALUE(A2))*24 gives the length of a shift in hours from two text times.

How do I convert text to a time in Excel?

=TIMEVALUE(A2) for text like "1:30 PM", then format the cell as a time.

What does TIMEVALUE return for a date and time?

Only the time part: TIMEVALUE("1/5/2026 18:20") is 6:20 PM.

Updated October 28, 2026Checked by running: every formula on this page was run by our formula engine on October 30, 2026.