In this guide, we will walk you through the steps for calculating time differences, including the basic formula and some helpful tips for working with time values in Excel.
Calculating the Time Difference
Calculating the time difference between start time and end time in Excel can be a simple task with a simple formula. Use the simple subtraction formula to compute the difference: =END_TIME – START_TIME. This formula subtracts the end time from the start time to give you the time difference in hours and minutes.
This formula has limitations when subtracting PM time from AM time, as it assumes that the time difference is within the same day. However, when subtracting PM time from AM time, the time difference spans over two days, and the formula may not give you the correct result.
To handle this scenario, you need to add a 24-hour constant to the end time to ensure that the result is positive and reflects the correct time difference. This can be accomplished by using the formula: =(END_TIME + 1) – START_TIME. This formula adds a 24-hour constant to the end time and subtracts the start time to give you the correct time difference.
To change the format of the result, you can format the cell as a decimal number by right-clicking the cell and selecting “Format Cells.”
Conclusion
Calculating time differences in Excel can be a simple task with the right formula and techniques. Whether you are working from AM to PM or within the same day, it is important to understand the limitations and potential errors that can occur. Remember to always pay attention to the time format and make any necessary adjustments to the formula, to ensure you get the correct result.
