timeToSec()
Convert a time string (HH:MM or HH:MM:SS) to seconds — use as the first step in duration, billing, or scheduling calculators.
Syntax
Every formula in Calcopolis must start with = in the Value field:
= timeToSec("HH:MM")
| Part | Rule |
|---|---|
| Function name | timeToSec — camelCase |
| Arguments | One — a quoted time string |
| Formats | "HH:MM" or "HH:MM:SS" (24-hour style) |
| Return value | Total seconds (0 if the format is invalid) |
Valid examples
= timeToSec("02:30")
= timeToSec("01:15:00")
= timeToSec(start_time)
Invalid / unsupported
| Don't write | Why |
|---|---|
timeToSec(02:30) |
Time must be a quoted string |
timeToSec("2:30 PM") |
Use 24-hour HH:MM, not AM/PM text |
timeToSec("90") |
Minutes-only strings are not supported — use HH:MM |
Parameters
| Argument | Description |
|---|---|
timeStr |
Time as text. Examples: "01:00" (1 hour), "00:45" (45 minutes). |
When to use timeToSec()
Use timeToSec() to normalize times before math:
| Situation | What timeToSec() does |
|---|---|
| Duration | Difference between start and end times |
| Billable hours | Convert logged time to seconds, then to hours |
| SLA timers | Compare elapsed time against a threshold |
Pair with [secToTime()](/docs/reference/formulas/sec-to-time-function/) to show results as clock time again.
Practical examples (ecommerce & leads)
1. Meeting duration from two Text fields
start_time and end_time hold values like "09:00" and "10:30".
| Variable | Formula |
|---|---|
duration_sec |
= timeToSec(end_time) - timeToSec(start_time) |
duration_hours |
= duration_sec / 3600 |
2. Billable block over 15 minutes
| Variable | Formula |
|---|---|
billable_sec |
= max(timeToSec(worked_time) - timeToSec("00:15"), 0) |
Where to use it
| Location | Supported |
|---|---|
| Result widget Value | Yes — = ... formulas |
| Standalone variable (Variables tab) | Yes |
| Number / other input default Value | Yes, if formula-driven |
| Visibility formula | Yes |
| Custom Text / Table cells | No — use {{ }} templates there, not = functions |
After editing, run Calculate (or enable Run calculation on load in project Options) to refresh results.
Related
- [
secToTime()](/docs/reference/formulas/sec-to-time-function/) - Understanding Formulas and Variables —
=syntax and variables - Building Your First Calculator — end-to-end quote calculator