Convert 24hr to 12hr - Time Format Converter

Convert 24-Hour Time to 12-Hour Format

Our 24-hour to 12-hour time converter is a simple and efficient tool that helps you convert military time (24-hour format) to standard time (12-hour format) with AM/PM indicators. Whether you're working with international time formats, programming, or need to convert time for everyday use, this tool provides accurate and instant conversions.

What is 24-Hour Time Format?

24-hour time format, also known as military time or international time, uses a 24-hour clock where the day runs from midnight (00:00) to midnight (23:59). This format eliminates the need for AM/PM indicators and is commonly used in:

Military and aviation
Medical and healthcare settings
International business and travel
Computer programming and databases
Scientific and technical applications

What is 12-Hour Time Format?

12-hour time format is the standard time format used in the United States and many other countries. It divides the day into two 12-hour periods:

AM (Ante Meridiem): Midnight to noon (00:00 to 11:59)
PM (Post Meridiem): Noon to midnight (12:00 to 23:59)

How to Use the 24-Hour to 12-Hour Converter

Enter Time: Input your 24-hour time in the format HH:MM or HH:MM:SS
Choose Format: Select your preferred 12-hour output format
Include Seconds: Optionally include seconds in the output
Get Result: View the converted 12-hour time instantly

Conversion Rules

The conversion from 24-hour to 12-hour format follows these rules:

00:00 to 00:59: Convert to 12:00 AM to 12:59 AM
01:00 to 11:59: Keep the same time with AM
12:00 to 12:59: Keep the same time with PM
13:00 to 23:59: Subtract 12 hours and add PM

Common Time Conversions

24-Hour Format	12-Hour Format	Description
00:00	12:00 AM	Midnight
06:00	6:00 AM	Early morning
12:00	12:00 PM	Noon
15:30	3:30 PM	Afternoon
18:45	6:45 PM	Evening
23:59	11:59 PM	Late night

Output Format Options

Our converter supports multiple 12-hour format styles:

12-Hour Format: 2:30 PM (standard with space)
12-Hour Short: 2:30pm (lowercase, no space)
12-Hour No Space: 2:30PM (uppercase, no space)
Both Formats: Shows all variations plus original 24-hour time

Practical Applications

This time converter is useful in various scenarios:

Travel: Convert international flight times to local format
Work: Convert military time from reports to standard format
Programming: Convert database timestamps for display
Education: Learn time format conversions
Healthcare: Convert medical records between formats

Tips for Accurate Conversion

Always use the correct format: HH:MM or HH:MM:SS
Remember that 00:00 is midnight (12:00 AM)
12:00 is noon (12:00 PM)
Hours 13-23 become 1-11 PM
Double-check AM/PM for times around midnight and noon

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 24-hour and 12-hour time formats?

24-hour format uses a 24-hour clock (00:00 to 23:59) without AM/PM indicators, while 12-hour format uses a 12-hour clock (12:00 AM to 11:59 PM) with AM/PM indicators to distinguish between morning and afternoon/evening times.

How do I convert 24-hour time to 12-hour time manually?

For times 00:00-00:59, add 12 and use AM. For 01:00-11:59, keep the same time and use AM. For 12:00-12:59, keep the same time and use PM. For 13:00-23:59, subtract 12 and use PM.

What does 00:00 mean in 24-hour format?

00:00 in 24-hour format represents midnight (12:00 AM in 12-hour format). It's the start of a new day.

Can I convert times with seconds?

Yes, our converter supports both HH:MM and HH:MM:SS formats. You can choose to include or exclude seconds in the 12-hour output.

Is 24-hour time the same as military time?

Yes, 24-hour time format is commonly called military time, but it's also used in many other fields including aviation, healthcare, and international business.

What countries use 24-hour time format?

Most countries use 24-hour format officially, including all of Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. The United States and a few other countries primarily use 12-hour format in everyday life.