Understanding Military Time for Payroll
Most payroll software, hospitals, and logistics companies use the 24-hour clock (commonly known as Military Time). This prevents the costly mistake of confusing 7:00 AM with 7:00 PM.
How to Read the 24-Hour Clock
The system is simple once you know the rule:
- 0000 to 1159: This is AM. (e.g., 0900 is 9:00 AM).
- 1200 to 1259: This is PM (Lunch time).
- 1300 to 2359: This is PM. Simply subtract 1200 to get the standard time. (e.g., 1500 - 1200 = 3:00 PM).
Why use this converter?
If you are filling out a manual time card and your schedule says "Start: 1830," you might panic. Use this tool to instantly see that 1830 is 6:30 PM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How do I convert Military Time to Standard Time?
If the time is greater than 1200, subtract 1200. Example: 1500 - 1200 = 3:00 PM. If it is less than 1200, it is AM.
2. Why does payroll use Military Time?
Payroll systems use the 24-hour clock to avoid errors between AM and PM. It makes calculating shift durations much easier.
3. What is 0000 in Military Time?
0000 is Midnight (12:00 AM). The day starts at 0000 and ends at 2359.