Military Time Converter
Convert between 24-hour military time and 12-hour standard time instantly. Free and easy to use.
Format: 00:00 to 23:59
Format: 1:00 AM to 12:59 PM
Conversion Result:
14:30 = 2:30 PM
What is Military Time?
Military time is a 24-hour clock system that eliminates the need for "AM" and "PM" designations. Instead of restarting at 1:00 after 12:59, the clock continues to 13:00, 14:00, and so on until 23:59.
This system is used by the military, emergency services, hospitals, aviation, and many countries worldwide because it prevents confusion and miscommunication. When someone says "meet at 0800," there's no question whether it's morning or evening.
How to Convert Military Time to Standard Time
Quick Conversion Example
Formula: 14 - 12 = 2:30 PM
For times 0000-1159 (Midnight to Noon):
- Keep the hour the same and add "AM"
- Exception: 0000 = 12:00 AM (midnight)
- Example: 0900 = 9:00 AM
For times 1200-2359 (Noon to Midnight):
- 1200 = 12:00 PM (noon)
- For 1300-2359: Subtract 12 and add "PM"
- Example: 1700 - 12 = 5:00 PM
- Example: 2130 - 12 = 9:30 PM
Military Time Conversion Chart
Use this quick reference chart to convert between military time and standard time:
| Military Time (24-hour) | Standard Time (12-hour) |
|---|---|
| 0000 | 12:00 AM |
| 0100 | 1:00 AM |
| 0200 | 2:00 AM |
| 0300 | 3:00 AM |
| 0400 | 4:00 AM |
| 0500 | 5:00 AM |
| 0600 | 6:00 AM |
| 0700 | 7:00 AM |
| 0800 | 8:00 AM |
| 0900 | 9:00 AM |
| 1000 | 10:00 AM |
| 1100 | 11:00 AM |
| 1200 | 12:00 PM |
| 1300 | 1:00 PM |
| 1400 | 2:00 PM |
| 1500 | 3:00 PM |
| 1600 | 4:00 PM |
| 1700 | 5:00 PM |
| 1800 | 6:00 PM |
| 1900 | 7:00 PM |
| 2000 | 8:00 PM |
| 2100 | 9:00 PM |
| 2200 | 10:00 PM |
| 2300 | 11:00 PM |
Is Midnight 0000 or 2400?
Both 0000 and 2400 can represent midnight, but they're used in different contexts:
- 0000 - Used for the start of a new day (12:00 AM)
- 2400 - Used for the end of the current day (also 12:00 AM)
Most commonly, 0000 is the standard notation used by the military and in official documentation.
Where is Military Time Used?
Military time is used globally in professions where precise timing is critical:
- Military and Defense - All branches of armed forces worldwide
- Aviation - Pilots, air traffic control, flight schedules
- Healthcare - Hospitals, emergency rooms, patient records
- Emergency Services - Police, fire departments, EMS
- Transportation - Railways, shipping, public transit
- International Business - Prevents timezone confusion
Military Time vs 24-Hour Clock: What's the Difference?
While often used interchangeably, there's a subtle difference between military time and the 24-hour clock:
Military Time
- •Written without colons: 1430
- •Pronounced as "fourteen thirty hours"
- •Used primarily by military and emergency services
- •Always four digits (0800, not 800)
24-Hour Clock
- •Written with colons: 14:30
- •Pronounced as "fourteen thirty"
- •Standard in most countries worldwide
- •Can be 3 or 4 characters (8:00 or 08:00)
Common Military Time Conversion Mistakes
Avoid these frequent errors when converting military time:
❌ Mistake: Forgetting to subtract 12 for PM times
Wrong: 1800 = 18:00 PM
Right: 1800 = 6:00 PM (18 - 12 = 6)
❌ Mistake: Converting midnight incorrectly
Wrong: 0000 = 0:00 PM
Right: 0000 = 12:00 AM (start of day)
❌ Mistake: Adding "hours" to written time
Wrong: Written as "14:30 hours" in documents
Right: Written as "1430" (only say "hours" when speaking)
❌ Mistake: Confusing noon (1200) with midnight (0000)
Remember: 1200 = 12:00 PM (noon), 0000 = 12:00 AM (midnight)
Military Time Around the World
While called "military time" in the US, the 24-hour clock is the standard civilian time format in most of the world:
Countries Using 24-Hour Format
- • Most of Europe
- • Latin America
- • Asia (China, Japan, Korea)
- • Middle East
- • Africa
- • Russia
Mixed Usage Countries
- • United Kingdom (formal contexts)
- • India (railways, military)
- • Greece (formal writing)
- • New Zealand (increasing adoption)
Primarily 12-Hour Format
- • United States
- • Canada
- • Australia
- • Philippines
- • Egypt (spoken)
Globally, about 70% of the world uses the 24-hour clock in daily life, making it the international standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 1700 in regular time?
1700 in military time is 5:00 PM in standard time. To convert, subtract 12 from 17, which gives you 5, and since it's after 1200, it's PM.
How do you say military time out loud?
In military time, you say each digit individually. For example, 1400 is pronounced "fourteen hundred hours" or "one-four-zero-zero hours." 0830 would be "zero-eight-thirty hours."
Is 12:00 PM noon or midnight?
12:00 PM is noon. In military time, noon is 1200 hours. Midnight is either 0000 (start of day) or 2400 (end of day), which corresponds to 12:00 AM in standard time.
Do all countries use military time?
Most countries outside the United States, Canada, and Australia use the 24-hour clock (military time) as their standard time format for everyday use. In the US, it's primarily used by military, medical, and emergency services.
Can I use this converter for timesheet tracking?
Yes! This converter is perfect for converting time entries when tracking work hours. If you need automated time tracking, check out Timepilot's AI-powered time tracking or use our time card calculator.
Tired of Manual Time Tracking?
Let AI handle your timesheets automatically. Track time across apps, meetings, and projects effortlessly.
Try Timepilot Free