Time: Convert AM and PM time format – including a list

am and pm time featured image

"AM" and "PM" are abbreviations for "Ante Meridiem" and "Post Meridiem," which means "before noon" and "after noon" in Latin. These terms are used to tell time in a 12-hour time format, which divides a day into two halves: one before noon (from midnight to 11:59 a.m.) and one after noon (from 12:00 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.).

For example, "9:00 AM" means 9 a.m. and "5:00 PM" means 5 p.m. It is important to note that the designations "AM" and "PM" are only used for the 12-hour time format and not for the 24-hour time format. In a 24-hour time format, the hours are given without the AM/PM designation, eg 9 am as "9:00" and 17 pm as "17:00". In principle, the conversion is quite simple, but sometimes - like for example at 0:00 - I have to keep checking when it's AM and PM.

0:00 AM and 24:00 AM - AM or PM?

For the critical time of 24pm I have a list to look up here:

  • 00:00 = 12:00 AM
  • 00:01 = 12:01 AM
  • 01:00 = 01:00 AM
  • 11:59 = 11:59 AM
  • 12:00 = 12:00 PM
  • 12:01 = 12:01 PM
  • 13:00 = 01:00 PM
  • 23:59 = 11:59 PM
am and pm time photo
Graphics: Sir Apfelot

Here is a list of all 24 hours in 24-hour format and their equivalents in AM/PM format - for easy conversion of time to AM/PM :

24 hour formatAM/PM format
0:0012: 00 AM
1:001: 00 AM
2:002: 00 AM
3:003: 00 AM
4:004: 00 AM
5:005: 00 AM
6:006: 00 AM
7:007: 00 AM
8:008: 00 AM
9:009: 00 AM
10:0010: 00 AM
11:0011: 00 AM
12:0012: 00 PM
13:001: 00 PM
14:002: 00 PM
15:003: 00 PM
16:004: 00 PM
17:005: 00 PM
18:006: 00 PM
19:007: 00 PM
20:008: 00 PM
21:009: 00 PM
22:0010: 00 PM
23:0011: 00 PM
24:0012: 00 AM

Advantages of 24-hour and 12-hour format

The 24-hour format and the 12-hour format each have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some advantages of both formats:

24-hour format:

  1. Precision: Since the 24-hour format indicates each hour of the day without the distinction between "AM" and "PM", it is more precise for exact times.
  2. Internationality: The 24-hour clock is widely used internationally and in many countries and industries, such as aviation, military and television.
  3. Avoiding Confusion: Since there is no distinction between "AM" and "PM", there is no risk of confusion if the time is misinterpreted.

12-hour format:

  1. Comprehensibility: The 12-hour format is easier for many people to understand because it divides the day into two clear sections: morning and afternoon/evening.
  2. Culture: The 12-hour format is deeply rooted in many Western cultures and is familiar to many people.
  3. Clarity: Because the 12-hour format breaks the day into clear chunks, some people find it clearer and easier to use, especially for appointments and activities that only happen in the morning or afternoon.

Ultimately, the choice between the 24-hour and 12-hour format often comes down to personal preference, culture, and industry.

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