Adding Text Values Representing Time

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» Adding Text Values Representing Time

CATEGORY: Excel Date & Time Formulas

VERSIONS: All Microsoft Excel Versions

Problem:

The times listed in column A are formatted as text.
When trying to add them using a simple SUM formula (=SUM(A2:A5)), a false result of 0 is returned.
How can we add text values correctly?

Solution:
Use the SUM and TIMEVALUE functions as shown in the following Array formula:
{=SUM(TIMEVALUE(A2:A5))}

To apply Array formula:
Select the cell, press and simultaneously press .

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READER COMMENTS (view all comments)

not quite....
emvipici wrote on November 28, 2006 06:25 EST

I tryed to solve the problem ur way...
but it doesn't work:

When I use
{=SUM(TIMEVALUE(A2:A5))}
i get the result {#VALUE!}

I tryed another way:
{=SUM(TIMEVALUE(A2):TIMEVALUE(A5))}
I can't even use it, i get an error message.:eek:

can anyone help me ?

10x!

oldchippy wrote on November 28, 2006 08:36 EST

What you need to do is enter the formula in the cell, without the braces

=SUM(TIMEVALUE(A2:A5))

and with the cursor still in the formula bar, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter, then you will see

{=SUM(TIMEVALUE(A2:A5))} in the formula bar

10x
emvipici wrote on November 28, 2006 10:21 EST

Thanks, it worked!

Though, I encountered another problem: I can't add times if it's over 24 hours!

please check it in the image attached.

is there a solution for this ?

oldchippy wrote on November 28, 2006 10:56 EST

Change the format to Custom and format to [hh]:mm:ss, this will add times that total over 24 hours

emvipici wrote on November 28, 2006 11:06 EST

I know this procedure works to display the sum (even if it's grater than 24h), but in my case, still doesn't work!

Does it on tour computer ??? :confused:

oldchippy wrote on November 28, 2006 11:34 EST

Yes, see attached

emvipici wrote on November 29, 2006 02:04 EST

Ah, yes...

but you must keep the same table formats:
time spent [format TEXT]
formula {=SUM (TIMEVALUE(C1:C3))}

In this case, is still working ?
Mine doesn't!

oldchippy wrote on November 29, 2006 04:19 EST

Hello again,

Take a look at this link about adding and subtracting time values, it explains why the value in C5 is not displaying as expected because it is over 24 hours

[url]http://www.cpearson.com/excel/datearith.htm#AddingTimes[/url]

emvipici wrote on November 29, 2006 04:41 EST

The thing is I'm not allowed to change the cell format...
Thanks a lot anywayz!

I'll just have to relay on the fact that there's no time greater than 24h. :(

10x again!

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