This FAQ covers 3 common TIMEVALUE questions and a 3-term glossary for faster troubleshooting.
FAQ
Why does TIMEVALUE return #VALUE!?
- Check whether the
time_textargument is a recognizable time string. - Remove extra spaces and clean the original text if needed.
- Make sure the formula uses English parentheses, commas, and the correct function name.
- Re-enter the formula and press Enter again.
Why does the result look like a decimal number?
- TIMEVALUE returns a time serial number, which is a numeric value used in calculations.
- If you want to display it as a time, change the cell format.
- Keeping the numeric format is also fine for duration, comparison, and summary formulas.
How can I use TIMEVALUE in multiple cells at once?
- Enter the TIMEVALUE formula in the first target cell.
- Confirm that the result is correct.
- Drag the fill handle in the lower-right corner of the cell to copy the formula downward.
- If needed, check whether relative references match your data range.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| TIMEVALUE | A function that converts text-formatted time into a time serial number. |
| Time serial number | The numeric value used by a spreadsheet to represent time or date-time data for calculation. |
time_text | The TIMEVALUE argument that contains the time text to convert. |