How to format TimeSpan in XAML

c# wpf xaml data-binding string-formatting
biju picture biju · Dec 30, 2010 · Viewed 82k times · Source

I am trying to format a textblock which is bound to a TimeSpan property. It works if the property is of type DateTime but it fails if it is a TimeSpan. I can get it done using a converter. But I am trying to find out if there is any alternatives.

Sample Code:

public TimeSpan MyTime { get; set; }

public Window2()
{
    InitializeComponent();
    MyTime = DateTime.Now.TimeOfDay;
    DataContext = this;
}

Xaml

<TextBlock Text="{Binding MyTime,StringFormat=HH:mm}"/>

I am expecting the textblock to show only hours and mintes. But it is showing as:

19:10:46.8048860

Answer

Tim Lloyd picture Tim Lloyd · Dec 30, 2010

The format string is intended to work on a DateTime, not a TimeSpan.

You could change your code to work with DateTime.Now instead. Your xaml is fine:

<TextBlock Text="{Binding MyTime,StringFormat=HH:mm}"/>

Update

And from .Net 4 format a TimeSpan as follows:

<TextBlock Text="{Binding MyTime,StringFormat=hh\\:mm}"/>

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