hh:mm:ss + hh:mm:ss values in query don't add up

[neelsfer]

I first deducted the laptime and actualstarttime of a race in a query using this formula and it gives me a correct lap1time value

Lap1Time:nz(For mat([Lap1]-[Actualstarttime],"hh:nn:ss") ) = 00:51:54
if i repeat this for lap2 to determine the lap2time value
Lap2Time: Nz(Format([Lap2]-[lap1],"hh:nn:ss") ) = 00:00:03
and the 3rd lap = 00:00:03

It produces the correct time

My problem is adding up these to laptimes to get a totaltime from the start. I dont want to just deduct the finaltime after the 3rd lap from the actualstartingt ime, as the number of laps may vary from race to race and i therefore prefer to add up the laps. My vb programming skills are lacking here.
i think the data type is string and it is formatted as hh:mm:ss - that is the problem.

TotalTime: Format([Lap1time]+[lap2time]+[lap3time],"hh:nn:ss")

lap1time = 00:51:54 ; lap2time= 00:00:03 ;
lap3time=00:00: 03

then i get = 00:51:5400:00:0 300:00:03 which is a combination of lap1time+lap2ti me+lap3time rather than adding it up and giving you = 00:52:00
i think the data type is string and it is formatted as hh:mm:ss - that is the problem.

anybody out there that can relieve me of this unnecessary stress in my life by providing a solution? hehehe

[ADezii]

The following Logic should work, as long as you do not go past 24hrs. Total, but I'll leave that for you to test:

Debug.Print Format$(CDate("00:51:54")+CDate("00:00:03")+CDate("00:00:03"),"hh:nn:ss")

Result:

00:52:00

[neelsfer]

thx mr Adezii; you saved me again!!

[ADezii]

You are quite welcome, but after all I am a little more familiar with the DB than most (LOL).

[NeoPa]

The general rule of keeping dates and times in DateTime format for storage and string format only for displaying values is a good one that would save you from this problem.