Military time is a 24-hour way of writing time that runs from 0000 through 2359. It avoids AM and PM by giving every hour of the day one unique number.
For example, 8:00 AM is 0800 military time, while 8:00 PM is 2000. The hour and minutes are often written together as four digits.
How Does Military Time Work?
Military time uses the same 24-hour clock used in many countries and industries. The first two digits show the hour, and the last two digits show the minutes.
| Military Time | Hour | Minutes | Standard Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0000 | 00 | 00 | 12:00 AM, midnight |
| 0730 | 07 | 30 | 7:30 AM |
| 1200 | 12 | 00 | 12:00 PM, noon |
| 1430 | 14 | 30 | 2:30 PM |
| 1700 | 17 | 00 | 5:00 PM |
| 2359 | 23 | 59 | 11:59 PM |
Why Is Military Time Used?
Military time makes schedules clearer because it does not repeat the same numbers twice in one day. A time such as 0700 can only mean 7:00 AM, while 1900 can only mean 7:00 PM.
Clear 24-hour time is useful in situations where a mistaken AM or PM could cause problems, including military schedules, aviation, healthcare, emergency services, transportation, shipping, and international coordination.
Military Time vs. Standard Time
Standard time in the United States usually uses a 12-hour clock with AM and PM. Military time uses a 24-hour clock, so AM and PM are not needed.
- 7:00 AM = 0700
- 11:45 AM = 1145
- 12:00 PM = 1200
- 3:30 PM = 1530
- 5:00 PM = 1700
- 9:15 PM = 2115
How to Read Military Time
For times from 0000 through 1159, read the first two digits as a morning hour. For times from 1300 through 2359, subtract 12 from the hour to find the standard PM hour.
For example, 1700 becomes 5:00 PM because 17 minus 12 equals 5. The final two digits, 00, are the minutes.
How Is Military Time Written?
Military time is often written as four digits without a colon, such as 0830 or 1700. The same moment may be written in ordinary 24-hour notation with a colon, such as 08:30 or 17:00.
When spoken aloud, a whole hour is often followed by “hundred hours.” For example, 1700 may be said as “seventeen hundred hours,” while 1830 may be said as “eighteen thirty hours.”
Common Military Time Questions
What is 0000 military time?
0000 military time is 12:00 AM, also called midnight. It marks the beginning of a new day.
What is 1200 military time?
1200 military time is 12:00 PM, also called noon.
Is military time the same as a 24-hour clock?
Military time uses a 24-hour clock. It is commonly written without a colon, while regular 24-hour notation often uses a colon.
Why does military time use four digits?
The four-digit format clearly separates the hour and minute and helps avoid confusion between AM and PM.
Learn how to read military time step by step.
Use the Military Time Converter for an instant conversion.