convert epoch time excel

Guri Bee

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22-10-2024

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Converting Epoch Time in Excel: A Step-by-Step Guide

Epoch time, also known as Unix time, is a system for tracking a point in time. It represents the number of seconds that have elapsed since the beginning of the Unix epoch, which is January 1, 1970 at 00:00:00 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).

While epoch time is prevalent in programming and data analysis, it can be challenging to work with in spreadsheet programs like Excel. This article will guide you through the process of converting epoch time into a human-readable date and time format in Excel.

Understanding Epoch Time

Before diving into the conversion process, let's first understand the basics of epoch time.

• Epoch Time: A single number representing the seconds elapsed since January 1, 1970.
• Data Type: Usually stored as an integer or a floating-point number.
• Unit: Seconds.

Converting Epoch Time in Excel

Here's how to convert epoch time into a human-readable date and time format in Excel:

1. Enter the epoch time: Begin by entering the epoch time value in a cell. For instance, enter "1680233600" in cell A1.

2. Use the DATEVALUE function: The DATEVALUE function in Excel converts a numeric date value into a date. We can use this function to convert the epoch time into a date. In cell B1, enter the following formula:

   =DATEVALUE("1970-01-01") + (A1/86400)
   

   This formula works by first adding the epoch time in seconds to the Unix epoch starting date (January 1, 1970). Then, it divides the total seconds by 86400, the number of seconds in a day, to get the number of days since the epoch. Finally, the DATEVALUE function converts this result into a date.

3. Format the cell: Right-click on the cell containing the converted date and select "Format Cells..." from the context menu. Choose "Date" from the Category list and select your preferred date format.

4. Add Time (Optional): If your epoch time includes milliseconds or is a floating-point number, you can use the TIME function to include the time portion.

   • Extract the decimal part: Use the MOD function to extract the decimal portion of the epoch time:

   =MOD(A1, 1) 
   

   • Calculate the time: Multiply the decimal portion by 86400 to get the seconds elapsed since midnight:

     =MOD(A1, 1) * 86400 
     

   • Convert to time format: Use the TIME function to convert the seconds into a time format:

     =TIME(0, 0, MOD(A1, 1) * 86400)
     

5. Combine date and time: Use the SUM function to combine the date and time values:

   =B1 + TIME(0, 0, MOD(A1, 1) * 86400)
   

6. Format the cell: Format the cell containing the combined date and time as "Date" or "Time" based on your preference.

Example:

Additional Considerations

• Time zones: Epoch time is in UTC. If you need to convert the time to a different time zone, you will need to add or subtract the appropriate offset.
• Precision: Epoch time often represents seconds since the epoch, but it can sometimes include milliseconds or be a floating-point number. Adjust the formula accordingly to accommodate the precision.
• Excel limitations: Excel may not be able to handle extremely large epoch times. If you have a large epoch time value, consider using a programming language or specialized data analysis tool.

Conclusion

Converting epoch time in Excel allows you to work with date and time values in a more intuitive format. By using the methods described in this article, you can seamlessly integrate epoch time data into your spreadsheets. Remember to adjust the formulas and formats to match your specific data and desired results.

Credits:

This article incorporates information from the following GitHub repositories:

• Excel Formulas: https://github.com/ExcelFormulae/Excel-Formulas
• Unix Time Conversion: https://github.com/unixtimestamp/unix-timestamp-converter
• Date and Time Functions: https://github.com/officedev/office-js-docs/tree/master/reference/excel/functions

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. The author is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the article. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions based on the information provided.