Military Time Chart – A Complete Guide to the 24-Hour Clock

Military time, also known as the 24-hour clock, is a timekeeping system used by militaries, emergency services, hospitals, and many countries worldwide. Unlike the standard 12-hour clock (AM/PM), military time eliminates confusion by representing time in a continuous count from 00:00 (midnight) to 23:59 (one minute before midnight).

At Calculat, we provide a free Military Time Converter tool to help you easily switch between standard and military time formats.

Why Use Military Time?

  1. No AM/PM Confusion – Prevents errors in scheduling, travel, and critical operations.
  2. Global Standard – Used internationally, making it ideal for aviation, logistics, and multinational businesses.
  3. Precision – Eliminates ambiguity (e.g., 12:00 is always noon, 00:00 is midnight).

Military Time Chart (24-Hour Clock vs. 12-Hour Clock)

Use this quick-reference chart to convert between standard and military time:

12-Hour Clock24-Hour Clock (Military Time)
12:00 AM0000
1:00 AM0100
2:00 AM0200
3:00 AM0300
4:00 AM0400
5:00 AM0500
6:00 AM0600
7:00 AM0700
8:00 AM0800
9:00 AM0900
10:00 AM1000
11:00 AM1100
12:00 PM1200
1:00 PM1300
2:00 PM1400
3:00 PM1500
4:00 PM1600
5:00 PM1700
6:00 PM1800
7:00 PM1900
8:00 PM2000
9:00 PM2100
10:00 PM2200
11:00 PM2300
12:00 AM0000 (next day)

How to Convert Standard Time to Military Time

  1. For AM Hours (12:00 AM – 11:59 AM):
    • 12:00 AM → 00:00
    • 1:00 AM – 11:59 AM → Same number (e.g., 9:30 AM = 09:30)
  2. For PM Hours (12:00 PM – 11:59 PM):
    • 12:00 PM → 12:00
    • 1:00 PM – 11:59 PM → Add 12 (e.g., 5:45 PM = 17:45)

Example Conversions:

  • 3:20 AM → 03:20
  • 4:15 PM → 16:15
  • 12:30 AM → 00:30

Common Military Time Phrases

  • “Zero Hundred Hours” = 00:00 (Midnight)
  • “Sixteen Hundred Hours” = 16:00 (4:00 PM)
  • “Twenty-Three Thirty Hours” = 23:30 (11:30 PM)

Military Time in Daily Life

  • Healthcare: Prevents medication timing errors.
  • Transportation: Used in flight schedules and train timetables.
  • Military & Law Enforcement: Ensures precise coordination.

FAQs About Military Time

Is midnight 00:00 or 24:00?

00:00 is the standard for midnight in military time. However, some use 24:00 to indicate the end of a day.

How do I say 0000 in military time?

“Zero Hundred Hours” or “Midnight.”

Why does the military use the 24-hour clock?

To avoid confusion in operations, communications, and logistics.

Conclusion

Understanding military time is essential for professionals and travelers. With our Military Time Chart and Converter Tool, you can effortlessly switch between time formats.

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