Knowing how to quickly calculate time is a skill that can help with planning, scheduling, and general coordination. Whether you’re trying to figure out when a meeting will end or need to set a reminder, it’s helpful to know what time it will be 12 hours from now.
The basics of time: AM/PM and 24-hour clocks
To figure out what time it will be 12 hours from now, it helps to have a basic understanding of how we tell time.
Understanding AM and PM
The abbreviations AM and PM are used to differentiate between the two halves of a 24-hour day. AM stands for ante meridiem, which means “before noon.” PM stands for post meridiem, or “after noon.” So, AM refers to the period from midnight to noon, and PM refers to the period from noon to midnight.
12-hour vs. 24-hour time
The 12-hour clock is the timekeeping system most commonly used in the United States. The 24-hour clock, also known as military time, numbers the hours from 0 to 23. When calculating time in 12-hour format, it’s important to keep track of whether you’re moving from AM to PM or vice versa.
How to calculate the time 12 hours from now
To quickly figure out what time it will be 12 hours from now, just add 12 to the current hour. This will give you a decent estimate.
But you’ll also need to adjust the AM/PM. If the result is more than 12, subtract 12 and switch AM to PM or PM to AM. This ensures you get the right time of day.
For example, if it’s 3:00 PM now, adding 12 hours gives you 15:00. Subtract 12, and you get 3:00 AM. You also need to switch from PM to AM.
If it’s 11:00 AM now, adding 12 hours gives you 23:00. Subtract 12, and you get 11:00 PM. Again, you need to switch from AM to PM.
Things to keep in mind
- Midnight and Noon: Remember that 12:00 AM is midnight, and it begins a new day. Also, 12:00 PM is noon. These times of day can be tricky, so pay attention to the A.M. or P.M.
- The Next Day: When you add 12 hours to a time, you should always check to see if you’ve moved into the next day. This is important for scheduling appointments or making plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the 12th hour of the day?
The 12th hour of the day depends on whether you’re using a 12-hour or 24-hour clock. In a 12-hour clock, the 12th hour is either 12:00 PM (noon) or 12:00 AM (midnight). In a 24-hour clock, the 12th hour is 12:00, representing noon. So, it’s all about context!
What is the time 12 hours from now?
That, of course, depends on what time it is right now. If it’s currently 8:00 AM, then 12 hours from now would be 8:00 PM. If it’s 10:00 PM, then 12 hours from now would be 10:00 AM the next day. Just add 12 hours to the current time, and remember to adjust for AM and PM if you’re using a 12-hour clock.
What day is it exactly 12 hours from now?
Most of the time, it will still be the same day. But if the current time is between 12:00 PM and 11:59 PM, then 12 hours from now, it will be the next day. So, if it’s 6:00 PM on Tuesday, then 12 hours from now it will be 6:00 AM on Wednesday. Keep that midnight rollover in mind!
Summary
Need to know what time it will be 12 hours from now? Just add 12 hours to the current time, and remember to switch AM to PM or PM to AM.
It’s also important to think about whether the date rolls over to the next day. Keeping track of time is essential for planning and managing your day effectively.