Function Problems

How to Convert Decimal Hours and Minutes into Excel Time

Maira Mehtab Sep 20, 2026 870 views

Question details

The user needs to convert numerical decimal values (such as 8.44, where .44 represents minutes) into actual Excel time formats or calculate true decimal hours for time-based tracking.

Product: Excel
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: When entering time data, users frequently input hours and minutes as standard decimal numbers (e.g., 8.44 for 8 hours and 44 minutes). These values need to be converted to true time formats or standard decimal hours to perform accurate mathematical operations or payroll calculations.
Observed behavior: The time values are currently formatted as standard numbers, which prevents accurate time-based calculations and functions from working properly.

Before you start

Ensure you understand whether your end goal is an actual clock time format (like 08:44) for scheduling, or a true decimal format (like 8.733) for payroll multiplication.

Solution 1Recommended

Convert a Decimal Number to Standard Excel Time

Use this method if your time is entered as a decimal (e.g., 8.44) and you want to convert it to a standard time format (e.g., 08:44) so that it can be used in time calculations.

This solution utilizes the DOLLARDE function to translate the minute fraction based on a 60-minute hour, and then divides by 24 to align with Excel's native 24-hour time counting system.

Enter the DOLLARDE formula

Select a blank cell (for example, B2) and enter the formula =DOLLARDE(A2,60)/24, assuming cell A2 contains your decimal time value like 8.44.

Access the Format Cells menu

Right-click the cell containing your new formula and select 'Format Cells' from the context menu to open the formatting properties.

Apply custom time formatting

Navigate to the 'Number' tab, choose 'Custom' from the category list, type [h]:mm in the 'Type' input field, and click 'OK'. The result will properly display as 08:44.

Solution 2

Convert a Decimal Number to True Decimal Hours

Use this method when you need to convert a fractional minute representation (like 8.44, meaning 8 hours and 44 minutes) into a true decimal hour (8.733) for calculating hourly wages.

Solution 3

Convert Actual Excel Time to Decimal Hours

If your cell is already formatted as a standard Excel time value (e.g., 08:44) and you need it as a decimal hour for financial calculations, use this simple multiplication method.

Effortless Time Calculations

Seamlessly Handle Time Formatting in WPS Spreadsheet

You can effortlessly convert, calculate, and format complex time data using WPS Spreadsheet, which natively supports functions like DOLLARDE and custom time formatting without needing extra add-ins.

1. Open your workbook in WPS Spreadsheet: Launch WPS Office and open the file containing the time data you need to convert.
2. Enter the time conversion formula: Select a blank cell next to your data and input =DOLLARDE(A2,60)/24 or =A2*24 depending on your conversion goal.
3. Format the cell properties: Right-click the cell, choose 'Format Cells' or press Ctrl+1, and apply either a Custom Time format [h]:mm or a standard Number format.
4. Drag to fill the remaining cells: Click the fill handle at the bottom-right corner of the cell and drag it down to apply the formula across the rest of your dataset.

Fully compatible with Microsoft Excel formulas and functionsBuilt-in support for advanced time formatting and payroll calculationsFree and lightweight alternative for complex data analysisIntuitive user interface for fast cell formatting

microsoft office alternative - wps office

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I convert decimal hours back into fractional time like 8.44?

You can use the DOLLARFR function. Enter =DOLLARFR(A2,60) in a blank cell, where A2 is your true decimal hour (e.g., 8.733). This will return the value as 8.44, converting the true decimal back into a minute representation.

Why do I get a strange date or time when multiplying Excel time by 24?

This happens because the software automatically tries to retain the 'Time' format for the calculation result. To fix this, right-click the cell, select 'Format Cells', and change the format category from 'Time' or 'Custom' to 'General' or 'Number'.

What does the 60 mean in the DOLLARDE and DOLLARFR formulas?

The 60 represents the base fraction you are converting against, which translates to the 60 minutes in an hour. This tells the function to treat the decimal portion of your number as parts of 60 rather than parts of 100.

Excel & Data Problems