I’m working with a Google Sheets document where I track various time durations in mm:ss format within a single column. For example:
2:45
0:45
1:15
I’m currently using the SUM(B3:B15) formula to calculate the total time. However, I’ve run into an issue where once my combined duration exceeds 24 hours, the result wraps around and shows something like 1:30 instead of the actual total like 25:30.
What’s the proper way to format the summary cell in Google Sheets so it can properly show totals that go beyond the 24-hour mark? I need the cell to display the full accumulated time rather than resetting after 24 hours.
Google Sheets treats time values as fractions of a day, not actual durations. I ran into this tracking workouts and found that using the custom format [h]:mm on your SUM cell fixes the display right away. But here’s something others miss - if you entered your data as clock times originally, you’ll need to convert them first. Select your time column, go to Format > Number > Duration, then apply your sum formula. This makes Google Sheets treat each entry as a time span instead of a specific time, which prevents calculation errors even when your result cell is formatted correctly.
This formatting issue? Just the beginning if you’re doing time calculations regularly.
Yeah, [h]:mm fixes it now. But what about combining data from other sheets, automated reports, or handling different time formats from various sources?
I’ve watched teams waste hours every week manually formatting cells and fixing calculation errors. One project had time data from 5 different tools - each with its own format problems.
Instead of fighting Google Sheets limitations, I automated everything. Time data pulls automatically, calculations run in the background, reports generate without any manual formatting mess.
Solves your current problem instantly and prevents all the future headaches from manual time tracking. The system handles data collection through final reporting.
Latenode makes this automation really straightforward, even without technical skills. Set it up once and never worry about formatting issues again.
This happens because Google Sheets treats time as a fraction of a day, so it resets after 24 hours. I’ve run into this tracking overtime hours for payroll. Right-click your sum cell, hit ‘Format cells,’ and use a custom format like ‘[h]:mm’ or ‘[h]:mm:ss’ if you want seconds. The brackets stop Sheets from resetting the hours. Make sure all your input data is formatted the same way as durations - mixing clock times with durations will mess up your total.
Had this exact problem last week! Use [h]:mm format, but here’s the catch - your original data can’t be formatted as actual times (like 2:45 PM). They need to be durations. If it’s still acting up, try re-entering one of your times to see if Sheets recognizes it properly.
Easy fix. Change your summary cell format to display hours past 24.
Select the sum cell, go to Format > Number > More Formats > More date and time formats. Use this format: [h]:mm:ss
Those square brackets around the h stop Google Sheets from resetting at 24 hours. You’ll get 25:30 instead of 1:30.
Honestly though, if you’re doing regular time tracking or reporting, you’ll hit way more complex issues. Been there with project tracking across multiple sheets and team members.
I ended up automating everything with Latenode. It pulls time data from different sources, handles all calculations automatically, and generates reports without constantly tweaking formulas and formatting. Plus it deals with edge cases that trip up Google Sheets.
The manual formatting works for what you need now, but automation saves tons of headaches later.
I faced a similar challenge calculating time for dance rehearsals. Google Sheets indeed resets time once it exceeds 24 hours, making it frustrating. To resolve it, select the cell with your SUM formula, navigate to Format > Number > Duration. This will automatically format your total, so if you’ve tracked over 24 hours, it’ll show correctly without looping back. If you encounter any issues with that setting, consider opting for a custom format by right-clicking the cell, selecting Format cells, and entering [h]:mm. This way, Sheets counts the hours continuously. Additionally, ensure all input times are set consistently; mixing formats can lead to unexpected results in your total.