Formatting Issues

How to Display Times in 24-Hour Format in Excel for iPad

Maira Mehtab Sep 21, 2026 868 views

Question details

The user wants to display calculated time values in a 24-hour format (e.g., 13:22) instead of a 12-hour format (e.g., 1:22 PM) in Excel for iPad.

Product: Microsoft Excel
Device & OS: iPadOS
Scenario: Calculating and formatting time values using formulas like TIME, HOUR, and MINUTE on an iPad where advanced formatting options are missing.
Observed behavior: Excel for iPad defaults to a 12-hour format and lacks the built-in custom number formatting menu to easily switch it to a 24-hour format.

Before you start

Since the iPad version of Excel lacks a custom number format menu, you will need to use text functions or prepare the document on a desktop computer.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the TEXT Function to Format as 24-Hour Time

The simplest method to force a 24-hour display on an iPad without needing a desktop computer.

This method converts your time value into a text string formatted exactly how you want it. Note that because the result is text, you will not be able to use it directly in further mathematical calculations without converting it back.

Select a blank cell

Tap on an empty cell where you want the 24-hour time to be displayed.

Enter the TEXT formula

Type the formula =TEXT(A1,"[h]:mm") into the formula bar, replacing 'A1' with the cell containing your original time.

Confirm the input

Press Enter. The cell will now display the time in a 24-hour format, such as 13:22.

Text Value Output: The output of this formula is recognized as text, not a numerical time value.

Solution 2

Combine the HOUR and MINUTE Functions

An alternative text-based formula approach that extracts and joins hours and minutes.

Solution 3

Apply Custom Formatting via Desktop Excel

Use this method if you need the time to remain a true numerical value for further calculations.

Advanced Formatting on Mobile

Format Time Easily with WPS Office for iPad

WPS Office provides a highly capable spreadsheet application for iPad that includes advanced custom cell formatting. This allows you to effortlessly apply 24-hour time formats without relying on complex formulas or a desktop computer.

1. Open your spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office on your iPad and open your Excel workbook.
2. Select the time data: Tap and highlight the cells containing the times you want to format.
3. Access Cell Format: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom, go to the 'Home' tab, and select 'Cell Format'.
4. Apply 24-hour format: Navigate to the 'Number' category, choose 'Time' or 'Custom', and select your desired 24-hour time layout.

Built-in custom number and time formatting on iPadFully compatible with Microsoft Excel (.xlsx) formatsIntuitive touch interface for editing and formattingLightweight, fast, and completely free to download

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

Why doesn't Excel for iPad have custom number formats?

Microsoft designed the iPad version of Excel to be a streamlined, touch-friendly application. As a result, some advanced desktop features, like the custom number formatting menu, were omitted to keep the interface simple.

Can I calculate time using the text formula results?

No. Formulas like TEXT or concatenation turn the time into a text string. Text strings cannot be directly added or subtracted in time calculations without converting them back to numeric values using the VALUE function.

Will desktop custom formats sync to the iPad app?

Yes. If you apply a custom 24-hour format to a cell using the desktop version of Excel, it will retain and correctly display that format when opened in the iPad app.

Document & File Issues