As a Google Sheets user, you may have encountered situations where you need to change the time format in your spreadsheet. Whether it’s to accommodate different time zones, convert time from one format to another, or simply to make your data more readable, being able to change time in Google Sheets is an essential skill. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the various ways to change time in Google Sheets, from simple formatting changes to more advanced techniques using formulas and scripts.
Understanding Time Formats in Google Sheets
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of changing time in Google Sheets, it’s essential to understand the different time formats available in the platform. Google Sheets supports a wide range of time formats, including 12-hour, 24-hour, and AM/PM formats. You can also use custom time formats to suit your specific needs.
Here are some common time formats used in Google Sheets:
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| 12-hour | 3:45 PM |
| 24-hour | 15:45 |
| AM/PM | 3:45 AM |
Changing Time Format Using the Format Menu
One of the simplest ways to change time in Google Sheets is by using the Format menu. To do this, follow these steps:
- Select the cell or range of cells containing the time you want to change.
- Go to the Format menu and select “Number” from the drop-down menu.
- In the Number format window, select “Time” from the category list.
- Choose the desired time format from the subcategory list.
- Click “Apply” to apply the changes.
For example, if you want to change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour, follow these steps:
- Select the cell containing the time.
- Go to the Format menu and select “Number” from the drop-down menu.
- In the Number format window, select “Time” from the category list.
- Choose “24-hour” from the subcategory list.
- Click “Apply” to apply the changes.
Alternatively, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+F (Windows) or Command+Shift+F (Mac) to open the Format menu.
Using Formulas to Change Time
Another way to change time in Google Sheets is by using formulas. You can use the TIME function to convert time from one format to another. For example, you can use the following formula to convert 12-hour time to 24-hour time: (See Also: How to Use Google Sheets Pie Chart? Easily Visualize Your Data)
TIME(HOUR(A1), MINUTE(A1), SECOND(A1))
Where A1 is the cell containing the 12-hour time. This formula extracts the hour, minute, and second from the 12-hour time and converts it to 24-hour time.
You can also use the DATE function to convert time to a specific format. For example, you can use the following formula to convert time to a specific format:
DATE(YEAR(A1), MONTH(A1), DAY(A1), HOUR(A1), MINUTE(A1), SECOND(A1))
Where A1 is the cell containing the time. This formula extracts the year, month, day, hour, minute, and second from the time and converts it to a specific format.
Using Scripts to Change Time
Google Sheets also allows you to change time using scripts. You can use the Script Editor to write a script that changes the time format. For example, you can use the following script to change the time format from 12-hour to 24-hour:
function changeTimeFormat() {
var sheet = SpreadsheetApp.getActiveSheet();
var range = sheet.getRange(“A1:A10”);
var values = range.getValues(); (See Also: How to Make Rows Collapse in Google Sheets? Easily!)
for (var i = 0; i < values.length; i++) {
var time = values[i][0];
var hour = parseInt(time.substring(0, 2));
var minute = parseInt(time.substring(3, 5));
var second = parseInt(time.substring(6, 8));
if (hour > 12) {
hour -= 12;
var ampm = “PM”;
} else if (hour == 0) {
hour = 12;
var ampm = “AM”;
} else if (hour == 12) {
var ampm = “PM”;
} else {
var ampm = “AM”;
}
var newTime = hour + “:” + minute + “:” + second + ” ” + ampm;
range.offset(i, 0).setValue(newTime);
}
}
This script loops through the cells in the range A1:A10, extracts the hour, minute, and second from the 12-hour time, and converts it to 24-hour time. It then sets the new time value in the same cell.
Recap and Key Points
In this comprehensive guide, we’ve covered the various ways to change time in Google Sheets, from simple formatting changes to more advanced techniques using formulas and scripts. Here are the key points to remember:
- Google Sheets supports a wide range of time formats, including 12-hour, 24-hour, and AM/PM formats.
- You can change time format using the Format menu or by using formulas and scripts.
- The TIME function can be used to convert time from one format to another.
- The DATE function can be used to convert time to a specific format.
- Scripts can be used to change time format and perform more complex time conversions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I change the time format in Google Sheets?
A: You can change the time format in Google Sheets by using the Format menu or by using formulas and scripts. For example, you can use the TIME function to convert time from one format to another.
Q: How do I convert 12-hour time to 24-hour time in Google Sheets?
A: You can convert 12-hour time to 24-hour time in Google Sheets by using the TIME function. For example, you can use the following formula: TIME(HOUR(A1), MINUTE(A1), SECOND(A1))
Q: How do I convert time to a specific format in Google Sheets?
A: You can convert time to a specific format in Google Sheets by using the DATE function. For example, you can use the following formula: DATE(YEAR(A1), MONTH(A1), DAY(A1), HOUR(A1), MINUTE(A1), SECOND(A1))
Q: Can I use scripts to change time format in Google Sheets?
A: Yes, you can use scripts to change time format in Google Sheets. You can write a script that loops through the cells in a range, extracts the hour, minute, and second from the time, and converts it to the desired format.
Q: How do I troubleshoot time format issues in Google Sheets?
A: If you’re experiencing issues with time format in Google Sheets, try checking the following: Make sure the time format is set correctly in the Format menu. Check for any errors in the formula or script you’re using. Try re-entering the time value in the cell. If none of these solutions work, try resetting the time format to the default setting.