How to Convert Numbers to Time in Seconds in Excel: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to convert numbers to time in seconds in Excel using the formula =A1*86400 with easy formatting tips.

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To convert numbers to time in seconds in Excel, use the formula =A1*86400, where A1 contains your time value. Excel stores time as fractions of a day, so multiplying by 86,400 (the number of seconds in a day) converts your time value into seconds. Remember to format the cell where you're entering the formula to General or Number to view it as a standard number, rather than Excel's default time format.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the formula to convert time to seconds in Excel? Use the formula =A1*86400, where A1 contains your time value, because Excel stores time as fractions of a day and there are 86,400 seconds in a day.
  2. Why do I need to format the cell as General or Number after conversion? Excel defaults to displaying values as time, so formatting the cell as General or Number ensures your converted seconds show as a regular number.
  3. How does Excel store time values internally? Excel stores time as a fractional part of a 24-hour day, where 1 equals one full day, so times are stored as decimals between 0 and 1.