Convert decimal seconds time in Excel h:mm:ss format
Convert decimal seconds time in Excel h:mm:ss format
=seconds/86400
To convert seconds in decimal format to a proper Excel time, divide by 86400. In the example shown, the formula in C6 is:
=B6/86400
To display the result as time, apply a time format. Column D shows the same result formatted with [h]:mm.
| Hours | Fraction | Minutes | Seconds | Value | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1/24 | 60 | 3600 | 0.04167 | 1:00 |
| 3 | 3/24 | 180 | 10800 | 0.125 | 3:00 |
| 6 | 6/24 | 360 | 21600 | 0.25 | 6:00 |
| 12 | 12/24 | 720 | 43200 | 0.5 | 12:00 |
| 18 | 18/24 | 1080 | 64800 | 0.75 | 18:00 |
| 24 | 24/24 | 1440 | 86400 | 1.0 | 21:00 |
Since there are 24 hours in a day, 60 minutes in each hour, and 60 seconds in each minute, you need to divide by 24 * 60 * 60 = 86400 in order to convert decimal seconds to a value that Excel will recognize as time. After dividing by 86400, you can apply a time format of your choice, or use the result in a math operation with other dates or times.
In the example, since B11 contains 43200 (representing 43200 seconds, or a half day) the result is 43200/86400 = 0.5. Once a time format like h:mm or [h]:mm is applied, Excel will display 12:00.
Displaying a time duration
To display hours that represent a duration longer than 24 hours, minutes in durations longer than 60 minutes, or seconds in durations over 60 seconds, you’ll need to adjust the number format by adding square brackets.
h - for hours greater than 24 m - for minutes greater than 60 s - for seconds greater than 60
