Deducting h:mm ' from a 50 hour start point

**nje** · 06-24-2010, 02:50 PM

I am trying to work out how, if possible to deduct hours and minutes (using the 24 hour clock) from a start point of 50 hours. It works OK when deducting from a 24 hour start point but that's no good. The 50 hours represent an engine that has to be checked every 50 hours and therefore every time it is run the times have to be logged and deducted from the 50 hours. Is it possible, bearing in mind my very little experience of excel. I have attached a copy of the work book with more of an explanation. I've only had excel for a few days and I'm already on my second venture, still haven't completed the first yet, but I'm enjoying the trip of getting there with help from others with more knowledge. I welcome any suggestions, especially if I'm totally heading in the wrong direction
Thanks

**zbor** · 06-24-2010, 03:03 PM

almost there... Format cells ads [h]:mm instead of hh:mm:

**nje** · 06-24-2010, 03:47 PM

Brilliant!! youv'e done it and it works. Now can I trouble you a bit more and ask if it is possible to get rid of all the other entries that show lower down the in the columns

**zbor** · 06-24-2010, 04:17 PM

Always...

This is principle... Use some value that is important and always will be written...

For example G3...

Then do this:

=IF($G3="", "", TEXT(H3-G3;"[h]:mm"))

And pull down...

Same for other columns.... You can use same G3 cell,,,

**nje** · 06-24-2010, 05:06 PM

Thanks again, I don't quite understand what you are advsing me to do, but I'll have ago and see what happens

**zbor** · 06-24-2010, 05:08 PM

If it doesn't succeed let us know...

**nje** · 06-25-2010, 03:51 AM

I'm back again. Sorry about this, but I don't really understand what the formula you have created for me is meant to do or exactly where I'm suppose to put it. I have copied it into
'J3' but that cel,lt then just shows the formula in it. Am I pasting it into the wrong cell? and now even a dumber question, 'what is pull down? Does that mean 'copying the formula?

**zbor** · 06-25-2010, 04:00 AM

look here:

**nje** · 06-25-2010, 04:16 AM

That's brilliant, I don't understand how you have done it, but I'll try to work it out.
It's exactly how I wanted it. Thank you very much, I appreciate your help.