Military Time cheat sheet

Conversion Chart

What is Military Time?

Military time is a method of measuring time based on the 24-hour clock. It is used by the military, emergency services, and other entities to avoid confusion between AM and PM times.

How Does Military Time Differ from Standard Time?

• Standard Time (12-hour clock): Divides the day into two periods (AM and PM), each lasting 12 hours. For example, 2:00 PM represents the 14th hour of the day.
• Military Time (24-hour clock): Measures time continuously from 0000 to 2359. For example, 1400 represents 2:00 PM.

Why Use Military Time?

Military time eliminates the ambiguity of AM and PM, reducing the potential for errors in communication and scheduling. This is particularly important in operations where precise timing is critical.

How Do You Read Military Time?

Military time is read as four digits:

• The first two digits represent the hour.
• The last two digits represent the minutes.

For instance:

• 0930 is read as "zero nine thirty" or "oh nine thirty."
• 1530 is read as "fifteen thirty."

How Do You Convert Military Time to Standard Time?

• For times between 0000 and 1159: These correspond directly to AM times in the 12-hour clock. For example, 0830 in military time is 8:30 AM in standard time.
• For times between 1200 and 2359: Subtract 12 from the hour part to get the PM time in the 12-hour clock. For example, 1530 in military time is 3:30 PM in standard time.

What Are Some Common Conversions?

• Midnight: 0000 (Military) → 12:00 AM (Standard)
• Noon: 1200 (Military) → 12:00 PM (Standard)
• Early Morning: 0600 (Military) → 6:00 AM (Standard)
• Afternoon: 1500 (Military) → 3:00 PM (Standard)

How Do You Pronounce Military Time?

Military time is pronounced by stating the hour followed by the minutes:

• 0430 is pronounced "zero four thirty" or "oh four thirty."
• 2145 is pronounced "twenty-one forty-five."

What Are the Benefits of Using Military Time?

• Clarity: Reduces confusion by clearly distinguishing between morning and afternoon/evening hours.
• Efficiency: Simplifies timekeeping and scheduling, especially in international and multi-time zone operations.
• Accuracy: Enhances precision in activities requiring exact timing, such as military operations, aviation, and emergency services.

Can You Provide a Quick Reference for Common Times?

• 0000: 12:00 AM (Midnight)
• 0100: 1:00 AM
• 1200: 12:00 PM (Noon)
• 1300: 1:00 PM
• 1800: 6:00 PM
• 2300: 11:00 PM

Converting AM-PM

Converting AM Times

• 0100 (Military) → 01:00 (24-hour) → 1:00 AM (12-hour)
• 0930 (Military) → 09:30 (24-hour) → 9:30 AM (12-hour)

Converting PM Times

• 1300 (Military) → 13:00 (24-hour) → 1:00 PM (12-hour)
• 1815 (Military) → 18:15 (24-hour) → 6:15 PM (12-hour)

Tips for Conversion

1. Morning Hours (0000-1159):

   • Directly convert to 12-hour format.
   • Example: 0830 (Military) → 08:30 (24-hour) → 8:30 AM (12-hour).

2. Afternoon and Evening Hours (1200-2359):

   • Subtract 12 from the hour part to convert to 12-hour format and add PM.
   • Example: 1530 (Military) → 15:30 (24-hour) → 3:30 PM (12-hour).

3. Midnight and Noon:

   • 0000 is 12:00 AM.
   • 1200 is 12:00 PM.

Practice

• 0745 (Military) → 07:45 (24-hour) → 7:45 AM (12-hour)
• 1610 (Military) → 16:10 (24-hour) → 4:10 PM (12-hour)
• 0000 (Military) → 00:00 (24-hour) → 12:00 AM (12-hour)
• 1200 (Military) → 12:00 (24-hour) → 12:00 PM (12-hour)