Google Sheets
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How to Convert Duration to Seconds in Google Sheets

This is an Arcade

Learn how to convert duration to seconds in Google Sheets by formatting time properly and using a simple formula. Works with any column of hh:mm:ss values.

1. Open your spreadsheet and locate the duration column

In Google Sheets, open your file and find the column (e.g., Column B) that contains durations in hh:mm:ss format.

2. Format the duration column as Duration

Select the entire column with durations, then go to the Format menu → NumberDuration so that Google Sheets treats the values as time.

3. Insert a new column labeled Seconds

Add a column next to the duration column. In the header cell, enter Seconds to label it for the converted values.

4. Enter the formula to convert duration to seconds

In a cell in your Seconds column, type the formula: =B2*86400. This multiplies the duration by the number of seconds in a day (86400), since durations in Google Sheets are stored as fractions of 24 hours.

5. Format the Seconds column as NumberHighlight the new column, go to the Format menu → NumberNumber so that values appear as whole numbers instead of time.

6. Copy the formula down to the remaining rows

Drag the fill handle down the column to apply the formula to all rows with a duration value.

Google Sheets
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