How to Use the MINUTE Function in WPS on Windows

Use the MINUTE function in WPS Spreadsheet with 4 how-to topics, all available without membership; choose a topic from the index and follow the steps to enter, reference, and verify the formula.

How-to Index

How-to Guide

1. Enter the MINUTE function

Entry point: Formulas tab → formula bar

1. Open WPS Spreadsheet and select the target cell.
2. Type = to start editing a formula.
3. Type MINUTE(.
4. Check whether the function syntax hint appears.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: =MINUTE( appears in the formula bar or cell.
• Next action available: You can continue entering the argument and complete the formula.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If you do not start with =, the content is treated as plain text.
• Environment note: If the cell is not in edit mode, function hints may not appear right away.

2. Fill in the argument with function hints

Entry point: selected cell → formula editing mode

1. After MINUTE(, enter a time value, a date-time value, or a cell reference.
2. Use the syntax hint to confirm the argument format.
3. Type the closing parenthesis ).
4. Press Enter to confirm the formula.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The cell returns a minute value.
• Next action available: You can copy the formula or revise the argument.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: An unclosed parenthesis or an invalid argument format can cause an error.
• Environment note: The input must be recognized as a time or date-time value.

3. Reference a time value from another cell

Entry point: target result cell → formula bar

1. In the target cell, type =MINUTE(.
2. Click the source cell that contains the time value to insert the reference.
3. Type ) to complete the formula.
4. Press Enter to view the result.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The formula shows a cell reference such as =MINUTE(A2).
• Next action available: You can drag the fill handle to apply the formula to other rows.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: If the referenced content is text that is not recognized as time, the result may be incorrect.
• Environment note: For cross-sheet references, make sure the referenced worksheet contains valid data.

4. Check the result and automatic recalculation

Entry point: result cell with the completed formula

1. Check whether the returned minute value is between 0 and 59.
2. Change the referenced time value.
3. Watch whether the result cell updates automatically.
4. If the result looks wrong, review the argument format and referenced content.

Success Criteria

• On-screen result: The result updates when the source time changes.
• Next action available: You can continue combining MINUTE with other formulas.

Tips While Using

• Common mistake: Treating plain text as a time value can produce unexpected results.
• Environment note: If the workbook is not set to automatic calculation, check the calculation settings first.