Apply Time Format in Excel

The Time format in Excel allows you to display numbers as time values. This is useful for tracking hours, scheduling, or calculating durations.

How to Apply Time Format

1. Select the cells containing the numbers or time values you want to format
2. Go to the Home tab → Number group
3. Click the dropdown and select Time
4. Optionally, choose a time format style (e.g., 13:30, 1:30 PM)

Tips & Best Practices

• Use Time format for tracking schedules, shifts, or project hours
• Ensure the underlying values are valid Excel times (fractions of a day)
• Combine with Conditional Formatting to highlight early or late times

FAQ

Q: Can I change the time format after applying it?

Yes, select the cells and choose a different time format from the dropdown or create a custom format.

Q: Does Time format affect calculations?

No, Excel uses the underlying numeric value (fraction of a day) for calculations, not the displayed format.

Q: How do I enter a time correctly in Excel?

Use hh:mm or hh:mm:ss format (e.g., 14:30 or 14:30:00). Excel will recognize it as a time value.