Hours and Minutes Calculator

Find the time difference between two times in hours, minutes, and seconds. Choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format for instant time duration results.

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How to Use the Hours and Minutes Calculator

Using our hours and minutes calculator is straightforward. Simply enter a start time and an end time, choose between 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour format, and click Calculate. The time difference will be displayed instantly as a duration in hours, minutes, and seconds.

How to Calculate Time Duration Between Two Times

Calculating the duration between two times is a common task needed for scheduling, tracking work hours, timing events, or simply figuring out how much time has elapsed. Below, we explain how to do it manually in both 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

In 24-hour format

To calculate the difference in 24-hour format, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the start time and end time in 24-hour format (for example, 14:00 for 2:00 PM).
  2. If the end time is less than the start time, add 24 to the end time (this covers cases where the end time is the next day).
  3. Subtract the start time from the end time. If the difference in minutes is negative, adjust by subtracting one hour and adding 60 minutes.
  4. The result will be the difference in hours and minutes.

For example, to calculate the difference between 22:30 and 01:15 the next day:

  • 22:30 to 01:15 becomes 22:30 to 25:15 (adding 24 hours to 01:15).
  • The difference is 25:15 - 22:30 = 2 hours and 45 minutes.

In 12-hour format (am/pm)

To calculate the difference in 12-hour format, follow these steps:

  1. Enter the start time and end time in 12-hour format, clearly indicating if it is AM or PM.
  2. Convert both times to 24-hour format to simplify the calculation (for example, 2:00 PM becomes 14:00).
  3. If the end time is less than the start time, add 24 to the end time (this covers cases where the end time is the next day).
  4. Subtract the start time from the end time. If the difference in minutes is negative, adjust by subtracting one hour and adding 60 minutes.
  5. The result will be the difference in hours and minutes.

For example, to calculate the difference between 10:30 PM and 01:15 AM the next day:

  • 10:30 PM becomes 22:30 and 01:15 AM becomes 01:15.
  • 01:15 the next day becomes 25:15 (adding 24 hours to 01:15).
  • The difference is 25:15 - 22:30 = 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Common Uses for a Time Duration Calculator

  • Scheduling daily activities and appointments
  • Tracking work hours and timesheets
  • Planning events, meetings, and deadlines
  • Logging study sessions or workout time
  • Project management and time budgeting
  • Estimating travel and commute duration

What Do AM and PM Stand For?

AM and PM are abbreviations used in the 12-hour clock system to distinguish between the first and second halves of the day. AM stands for "Ante Meridiem" (Latin for "before midday") and covers the hours from midnight to just before noon (12:00 AM to 11:59 AM). PM stands for "Post Meridiem" (Latin for "after midday") and covers the hours from noon to just before midnight (12:00 PM to 11:59 PM).