Military Time Converter

How does the military time converter work?

The military time converter is used to convert from either a 24-hour clock or 12-hour clock format. Enter a time in either format and get the opposite as an answer. If you enter a 12-hour clock format then the military time converter will give a 24-hour format answer and vice versa.

Why do we call it military time?

There are two reasons why the 24-hour clock is referred to as "military time". The first is because the military operates 24 hours a day, and the second is to avoid confusion of time whether it's 2 in the afternoon or 2 in the morning! Similarly to universal time (UT), the military uses "time zones" to keep time in different regions of the world.

Why use the military time converter?

The military time converter is a most convenient tool, helping avoid confusion. Its function is to help convert a 12-hour clock into a 24-hour clock. Certain cultures make use of the 24-hour clock exclusively and others make use of the 12-hour clock! Never be late to any event with the military time converter!

A brief history of the 24-hour clock

Believe it or not, some of the first time-keeping devices used the sun's light as the hands of a modern-day clock. Evidence of the first sundials dates back to around 1,500 B.C. in ancient Egypt and ancient Babylonian astronomy. This method of timekeeping, however, was only accurate as long as the sun was unobstructed and could only be used for 12 hours in a day, therefore the 12-hour clock predates the 24-hour system we can see today! When the first mechanical clocks started appearing in the early 14th century, the sun was no longer needed to tell time and so, the 24-hour dial gradually came into general use in many parts of Europe. An example of a culture that has adopted the 24-hour clock is Italy; since the 15th century, the country has underlined its allegiance to the 24-hour system of timekeeping!

Input fields explained

Before using the military time converter, it may help to understand each input field.

• From military time:

  Enter a time in the 24-hour clock format ex.(16:40)

• From 12-hour time:

  Enter a time in the 12-hour clock format ex.(4:40p.m)

Understanding the results

Once all the input fields have been entered and the "convert" button has been clicked, the military time converter will provide an answer. Below is a helpful example and demonstration of how to calculate military time!

To convert from military time or a 24-hour format all you have to do is take whatever time it is and subtract it by 12!

        It is 17:45
        17.45 - 12.00
        =5.45
        the answer is 5:45p.m