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need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

  1. #1
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    need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    I'm subtracting time (y2-z2) and in some cases it should be a negative number. It will change, however, depending on data entered in. So i need one formula that will display the actual time whether the number is positive or negative.

    I found this from a different website: =IF(Y2<Z2,"-","")&TEXT(ABS(Y2-ZZ2),"hh:mm:ss") but when the # is positive it just returns the value in y2.

    any help?

    Thanks!

    Ian

  2. #2
    Forum Expert judgeh59's Avatar
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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    =TEXT(ABS(A1-B1),"hh:mm:ss")

    maybe I'm not understanding your request but I tried this and it seems to work on the data set I tried...HTH
    Ernest

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    Forum Expert Tony Valko's Avatar
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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    Will you be doing any calculations on the results of these formulas?

    By default, Excel will not display negative times but there is a setting that will allow you to do so.

    However, this setting is potentially dangerous because it will cause all dates in your file to change.

    For that reason I recommend NOT using this setting.

    We can get your current formula to work but the result will be a TEXT string, not a true Excel time value.

    Please advise.
    Biff
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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    I will definitely NOT be doing any calculations based on the results. I read something about changing it to 1904, rather than 1900 date format, but I can't find the setting in excel 2010.

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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    Quote Originally Posted by completelyhis View Post
    =IF(Y2<Z2,"-","")&TEXT(ABS(Y2-ZZ2),"hh:mm:ss") but when the # is positive it just returns the value in y2.

    Ian
    Probably due to the difference between Z2 and ZZ2, guessing ZZ2 is blank...

  6. #6
    Forum Expert Tony Valko's Avatar
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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    You can find the setting at:

    File>Options>Advanced>When calculating this workbook>Use 1904 date system

    If you have any dates in the file 1462 days will be added to those dates.

    For example, if you had the date 1/1/2013 entered and you then change to the 1904 date system that date will now display as 1/2/2017.

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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    tony and Johnmo...thanks! first off...can't believe i made such a bonehead mistake as to have the double z in there! and...now i know how to change the date system in 2010!

    thanks again!

  8. #8
    Forum Expert Tony Valko's Avatar
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    Re: need one formula for returning positive or negative time w/out #######

    Good deal. Thanks for the feedback!

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