Google Sheets Timezone Conversion Guide in 5 Steps

Google Sheets Convert Timezone

Converting timezones in Google Sheets is a common task for users dealing with data across different geographical locations. While Google Sheets does not have a built-in function specifically for timezone conversion, there are several methods to achieve this, including using custom functions, formulas, and integrating external libraries like Moment.js.

Streamline your Google Sheets tasks by automating time zone conversions with Bardeen. Ensure accuracy without the manual effort.

Google Sheets Timezone Formula

One straightforward method to convert timezones is by using a simple calculation with the =NOW() function and adjusting for the time difference. For example, to convert IST to Colombia time, you can use:

=NOW()-(10.5/24)

This formula subtracts the time difference (divided by 24 to convert hours into the fraction of a day) from the current time. If the target timezone is ahead, you would add the time difference instead.

Change Timezone Google Sheets

To change the overall timezone setting for your Google Sheet:

1. Open your spreadsheet in Google Sheets.
2. Click on File and select Settings.
3. Under the "General" tab, find the "Locale" and "Time zone" settings.
4. Adjust these settings to your desired locale and timezone.
5. Click Save settings.

This change affects the default currency, date, and number formatting based on the selected locale and timezone.

Google Sheets Timezone Conversion

For more complex timezone conversions that consider daylight saving changes, you can use Google Apps Script or external libraries like Moment.js. A custom function example in Google Apps Script for converting a datetime string to another timezone is:

/**
* Converts a datetime string to a datetime string in a target timezone.
*
*@param {"October 29, 2016 1:00 PM CDT"} datetimeString Date, time and timezone.
*@param {"Timezone"} timeZone Target timezone
*@param {"YYYY-MM-dd hh:mm a z"} Datetime format
*@customfunction
*/
function formatDate(datetimeString,timeZone,format) {
  var moment = new Date(datetimeString);
  if(moment instanceof Date && !isNaN(moment)){
    return Utilities.formatDate(moment, timeZone, format)
  } else {
    throw 'datetimeString can not be parsed as a JavaScript Date object'
  }
}

Alternatively, using Moment.js and its timezone library can provide a more robust solution for handling timezones, including daylight saving time adjustments. This requires adding Moment.js and Moment Timezone.js to your Google Apps Script project.

Discover more about automating your Google Sheets for efficient work across time zones. Check out our blog posts on Google Sheets addons, Google Sheet automations, and explore our collection of Google Sheets automations.

Regardless of the method chosen, converting timezones in Google Sheets allows for more accurate data analysis and reporting across different geographical locations.

Converting time zones in Google Sheets can be done manually with formulas, but for users looking to streamline their workflow and ensure accuracy, automation is key. Bardeen offers powerful integrations with Google Sheets to automate various tasks, including time zone conversions.

Here are some examples of automations that can be built using Bardeen's playbooks:

1. Copy a list of meetings during a timeframe to a Google Sheet: This playbook automates the process of transferring your Google Calendar meetings into a Google Sheets spreadsheet, allowing for easy time zone adjustments and meeting management.
2. Copy a newly created Asana task to Google Sheets: For users managing tasks across different time zones, this playbook ensures that Asana tasks are automatically updated in Google Sheets, keeping your schedules in sync.
3. Get a daily summary of your emails and save to Google Sheets: This playbook can be particularly useful for managing communications across time zones by summarizing your emails in Google Sheets daily.

These automations save valuable time and help maintain accuracy when working with data across different time zones. Start automating by downloading the Bardeen app.