Subtract time (maintain format)

[EL1988]

Hi all,

I am trying to create a new output column that is the difference between the start and end time columns. 

I tried using the DateTimeDiff formula, but was not sure about what to input as the 3rd argument for it to return the information in the same hh:mm:ss format.

DateTimeDiff([Start time], [End time], ???)

Start time	End time	Output
8:57:32	9:05:45	0:08:13
9:05:45	10:07:11	1:01:26

[AngelosPachis · Accepted solution]

Hi @EL1988 ,

Here's how I would approach it. I would first find the total difference in seconds and then start to form each element of your date diff individually, i.e. difference in hours, then minutes and finally diff in seconds again.

Hope that helps,

Angelos

[EL1988]

Hi Angelos, thanks for offering that as a solution. The proposed solution returns the output as a string, but I would like to maintain the output in a time format.

[Christina_H]

@EL1988 You can update the data type in the select tool to convert it to a time.  Alternatively, this thread has a good formula to convert a number of seconds into time format, so use a DateTimeDiff formula followed by that.

https://community.alteryx.com/t5/Alteryx-Designer-Discussions/Converting-seconds-to-hh-mm-ss/td-p/31...

[AngelosPachis]

@EL1988 , like @Christina_H suggested, you can change the output to be of a Time format in the select tool 🙂

[DawnDuong]

hi @EL1988 

You can add a Datetime Tool right at the end of the workflow @AngelosPachis has done.

And select the format "HH:mm:ss:

Dawn.

[EL1988]

Much appreciated, thanks all for your valuable inputs!