which returns a value of 1. Because each hour can be represented as 1/24, you can convert an Excel time into decimal hours by multiplying the value by 24. For example, with the time value 6:00 cell A1, you can visualize the conversion like this:

Format result as number

When you multiply a time value by 24, Excel may automatically format the result using a time format like h:mm, which will display the value incorrectly. To display the result as a regular number, apply the General or Number format.

Dave Bruns

Hi - I’m Dave Bruns, and I run Exceljet with my wife, Lisa. Our goal is to help you work faster in Excel. We create short videos, and clear examples of formulas, functions, pivot tables, conditional formatting, and charts.