Can I convert a string to a time field ?

• jbalbo

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  May 1, 2014 at 3:39 pm

  #306952

  Hi

  I have a field that is a string, but stores a time value as "09:45 AM"

  I need to do calculations on time differences

  for example

  Starttime has the value "09:45 AM"

  Endtime has the value "10:15 AM"

  I need to show Endtime - starttime = "30 Minutes"

  Thanks

  Joe

• ChrisM@Work

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  May 2, 2014 at 2:33 am

  #1710271

  SELECT

  Starttime = CAST(Starttime AS TIME),

  Endtime = CAST(Endtime AS TIME),

  MinutesElapsed = DATEDIFF(minute, CAST(Starttime AS TIME), CAST(Endtime AS TIME))

  FROM (SELECT Starttime = '09:45 AM', Endtime = '10:15 AM') d

  ^{“Write the query the simplest way. If through testing it becomes clear that the performance is inadequate, consider alternative query forms.” - Gail Shaw}

  For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
  Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
  Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden

• jbalbo

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  May 2, 2014 at 7:46 am

  #1710337

  Thanks Chris

  Worked great, I guess I'll need to use CAST alot with the data in this table 🙂

  Have a nice weekend!!

• ChrisM@Work

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  May 2, 2014 at 8:09 am

  #1710348

  You're welcome, you too! It's a bank holiday weekend here 🙂

  ^{“Write the query the simplest way. If through testing it becomes clear that the performance is inadequate, consider alternative query forms.” - Gail Shaw}

  For fast, accurate and documented assistance in answering your questions, please read this article.
  Understanding and using APPLY, (I) and (II) Paul White
  Hidden RBAR: Triangular Joins / The "Numbers" or "Tally" Table: What it is and how it replaces a loop Jeff Moden