Use a custom format to create a time format - Date and Time Functions - Microsoft Excel

Use a custom format to create a time format using Microsoft Excel

When you enter time values in cells, you have to type the colon between the hours and minutes. However, this is unnecessary if you use a custom format.

To create a customized time format:

1. Enter time values without colons and select the cells.
2. From the Format menu, select Cells.
3. Select the Number tab and click on Custom under Category.
4. Type 00":"00 as the custom format.
5. Click OK.

Use a custom format to create a time format

Note: You can also use the AutoCorrect options. From the Tools menu, choose AutoCorrect and then the AutoCorrect tab. Type two commas in the Replace field and type the colon in the With field. Click Add to insert this option. Test this by typing 1200 in a cell. Excel corrects the input to 12:00.