Difference Between Two Times in Minutes Using Google Sheets

You can calculate the time difference between two times in minutes using Google Sheets in many ways. We’ll cover the two easiest.

Preparation – Properly Format Your Times

Before you use the formulas in this tutorial, ensure your times are valid. There are several formats; choose the one that works best for you.

You can use the ISDATE function to check each date as shown above.

Calculations – Find the Difference Between Two Times in Minutes

Once your data is ready, you can find the minutes using either of these easy formulas. Each technique has different advantages.

First formula: =ROUND((B2-A2)*24*60)

The most simple formula subtracts the starting time from the ending time. Subtracting two times in Google Sheets results in the number of days between them. Since you are looking for minutes instead of days, multiply this difference by 24 to get to hours, then by 60 to arrive at minutes.

Second formula: =TEXT(B3-A3,"[M]")&" minutes")

This next formula converts the result to a text string using the TEXT function. Using a text string allows you to add the unit to the end of the result to make it clear to the spreadsheet reader. So, as seen in the image above, the result is shown as 1342 minutes instead of just 1,342.00.

⚠️ Be sure to add the square brackets around the [M] if you calculate a longer duration. These brackets change the format from a point in time to a duration. This allows the minutes to exceed 60.

Practice – Get a Copy of the Template

Make a copy of this template to see the examples in a live Google Sheet.

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Advanced – Use TIMEDIF for Other Time Units

If you want a more complex output, such as years, weeks, or months, consider using the TIMEDIF add-on.

• Enter date-times in two columns
• Click “CALCULATE ACTIVE RANGE”
• The durations are calculated and placed in your spreadsheet