How to use the Excel TIME function

Summary

The Excel TIME function is a built-in function that allows you to create a time with individual hour, minute, and second components. The TIME function is useful when you want to assemble a proper time inside another formula.

Purpose

Create a time with hours, minutes, and seconds

Return value

A decimal number representing a particular time in Excel.

Syntax

=TIME (hour, minute, second)

Arguments

hour - The hour for the time you wish to create.
minute - The minute for the time you wish to create.
second - The second for the time you wish to create.

Version

Excel 2003

Usage notes

The TIME function creates a date in serial number format from the hour, minute, and second components you specify. Use it to create a valid time when you have (or can supply) these component values separately. Once you have a valid time, you can format it any way you like.

Examples

=TIME(3,0,0) // 3 hours
=TIME(0,3,0) // 3 minutes
=TIME(0,0,3) // 3 seconds
=TIME(8,30,0) // 8.5 hours

Related functions

Excel DATE Function

The Excel DATE function creates a valid date from individual year, month, and day components. The DATE function is useful for assembling dates that need to change dynamically based on other values in a worksheet.