In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about the HOUR function in Microsoft Excel. The HOUR function is a useful tool for extracting the hour component from a given time value. This function can be particularly helpful when you need to perform calculations or comparisons based on the hour of the day. We will cover the syntax of the function, provide examples, share tips and tricks, discuss common mistakes, troubleshoot issues, and explore related formulae.
HOUR Syntax
The syntax for the HOUR function in Excel is quite simple. It requires only one argument, which is the time value from which you want to extract the hour component. The syntax is as follows:
HOUR(serial_number)
Where serial_number is the time value you want to extract the hour from. The time value can be entered as a text string, a cell reference containing a time value, or a formula that returns a time value.
HOUR Examples
Let’s explore some examples of how to use the HOUR function in Excel.
Example 1: Basic usage
Suppose you have a time value in cell A1, such as 15:30 (3:30 PM). To extract the hour component (15) from this time value, you can use the following formula:
=HOUR(A1)
Example 2: Extracting hour from a text string
If you have a time value entered as a text string, such as “15:30”, you can still use the HOUR function to extract the hour component. First, you need to convert the text string to a valid time value using the TIMEVALUE function. The formula would look like this:
=HOUR(TIMEVALUE(“15:30”))
Example 3: Using HOUR with NOW function
You can use the HOUR function in combination with the NOW function to extract the current hour. The NOW function returns the current date and time, and the HOUR function can be used to extract the hour component from it. The formula would be:
=HOUR(NOW())
HOUR Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the HOUR function in Excel:
Tip 1: Combining HOUR with other time functions
You can use the HOUR function in combination with other time functions, such as MINUTE and SECOND, to perform more complex calculations or comparisons based on different components of a time value.
Tip 2: Formatting the result
When using the HOUR function, the result is displayed as a simple number. If you want to display the result in a specific time format, you can use the TEXT function to apply custom formatting. For example, to display the result as “15:00” instead of “15”, you can use the following formula:
=TEXT(HOUR(A1)/24, “hh:mm”)
Common Mistakes When Using HOUR
Here are some common mistakes that users make when using the HOUR function in Excel:
Mistake 1: Using an incorrect time format
When using the HOUR function, it’s important to ensure that the time value you’re working with is in a valid format. Excel recognizes time values in the format “hh:mm” or “hh:mm:ss”. If your time value is in a different format, you may need to use the TIMEVALUE function to convert it to a valid format before using the HOUR function.
Mistake 2: Forgetting to convert text strings to time values
If you’re working with a time value entered as a text string, you need to use the TIMEVALUE function to convert it to a valid time value before using the HOUR function. Failing to do so will result in an error.
Why Isn’t My HOUR Function Working?
If you’re having trouble with the HOUR function in Excel, here are some common issues and their solutions:
Issue 1: #VALUE! error
If you see a #VALUE! error when using the HOUR function, it’s likely that the time value you’re working with is not in a valid format or is entered as a text string. Make sure your time value is in the correct format and use the TIMEVALUE function to convert text strings to time values if necessary.
Issue 2: Incorrect result
If the HOUR function is returning an incorrect result, double-check your formula and ensure that you’re using the correct cell references and time values. Also, make sure your time values are in a valid format.
HOUR: Related Formulae
Here are some related formulae that you may find useful when working with time values in Excel:
1. MINUTE(serial_number)
The MINUTE function extracts the minute component from a given time value.
2. SECOND(serial_number)
The SECOND function extracts the second component from a given time value.
3. TIME(hour, minute, second)
The TIME function creates a valid time value using the specified hour, minute, and second components.
4. TIMEVALUE(time_text)
The TIMEVALUE function converts a text string representing a time value into a valid time value.
5. NOW()
The NOW function returns the current date and time, which can be used in combination with the HOUR function to extract the current hour.
