Numbers: how do I create a column with a sequence of times?

Question

In Numbers, I would like to create a column with automatically generated cells to create a timetable with each hour and each half hour.

I create a new document, type in "7:30 AM" and then in the cell below I type in "8:00 AM" then I drag downwards from the first cell, but it doesn't work, it replaces "8:00 AM" by "8:30 AM" but I only want 30 mns increments...

I tried changing the cell format to "date and time" but it just erases whatever I typed and replaces it by today's date and time or random dates and times...

Answer 1

In addition to njboot's answer, If you wish to drag and apply the ½ hour increments without entering a formula, be sure to select Both cells before dragging down the yellow dot. This will copy the pattern down (or across, for that matter.)

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Edit:

If you want to use a formula:

Use Duration:

DURATION(weeks, days, hours, minutes, seconds, milliseconds)

Using Duration one can then adjust the increments later on affecting all cells with one simple change. For example, suppose you wish to change it to 15 minute increments or 2 hour or 25 minutes. This can be accomplished using a dynamic formula to allow for greater flexibility in your solution.

One could add a new table (or use hidden cells or whatever tickles one's fancy) to create an area where a number can be added that will change the increments universally.

Create Duration formula:

Notice that Hours and Minutes are tied to cells that can be adjusted without changing the formula.

Then, after dragging down the formula, just change the increments when desired.

Answer 2

The formula syntax in Numbers is actually less intuitive and more stubborn than Excel IMO. Nevertheless, to create time intervals:

1. In the first cell, say B2, type 8:00 AM

2. In the following cell, type =B2+"30m"

   

3. Now, drag down:

   

4. Voilà: