How to Read Military Time (24-Hour Clock) in 2 Minutes
Calculators4 min readJanuary 28, 2026

How to Read Military Time (24-Hour Clock) in 2 Minutes

Military time eliminates AM/PM confusion by using a 24-hour clock. Here's how to read it, convert it, and why it's used in aviation, medicine, and the military.

Marcus Webb
Geography & Time Writer

What Is Military Time?

Military time uses a 24-hour clock from 0000 to 2359. No AM/PM ambiguity.

Conversion

  • AM times: same number with leading zero (7:30 AM = 0730)
  • PM times: add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 1545)
  • Midnight = 0000, Noon = 1200

Used In

Aviation, medicine, emergency services, and science all use 24-hour time.

#military time#24-hour clock#time format#conversion