SECOND
Returns the second as a number from 0 to 59.
=SECOND(serial_number)This static page keeps the function indexed for search, while the spreadsheet app handles interactive exploration and saved formulas.
What the function does
Overview
Returns the second as a number from 0 to 59.
The SECOND function extracts the second component from a time value represented by an Excel serial number. The result is an integer ranging from 0 to 59. This function is useful for highly granular time analysis, allowing you to isolate and work with the second portion of a time. The `umber` argument can be a number representing a date and time, a text string that Excel can parse as a time (e.g., "3:45:10 PM"), or the result of another function that returns a time value (like NOW() or TIME()). As with HOUR and MINUTE, if the `umber` is a text string that Excel cannot interpret as a time, SECOND will return a #VALUE! error. Excel's date and time system uses serial numbers where the decimal part represents the time of day, and SECOND focuses on extracting the second component from this decimal value, ignoring any date component. This function is often used in conjunction with other time functions to construct or deconstruct time values for specific calculations or displays.
Quick reference
Syntax
=SECOND(serial_number)Inputs
Arguments
Example: C2
Formula patterns
Examples
Extracting second from a time string
=SECOND("10:25:05 AM")Extracting second from a cell with a time
=SECOND(C2)Avoid these issues
Common Errors
#VALUE!
Cause: The 'serial_number' argument cannot be interpreted as a valid time by Excel.
Fix: Ensure the 'serial_number' is a valid Excel date/time serial number or a text string in a recognized time format.
#NUM!
Cause: The 'serial_number' argument is a number that is outside the valid range for Excel dates/times (e.g., a negative number).
Fix: Provide a valid positive serial number representing a date and/or time.
Platform support
Compatibility
Available in Excel 365 and earlier versions.
Source: Microsoft Support
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Returns the second as a number from 0 to 59.
umber: A number in a date-time format or a text string representing a time.
#VALUE!: Ensure the 'umber' is a valid Excel date/time serial number or a text string in a recognized time format. #NUM!: Provide a valid positive serial number representing a date and/or time.