Reviewed by Jessica Kaminski
Is 12 O’clock in the afternoon am or pm?
Answer: 12 O’clock in the afternoon is pm
When referring to time, people often use 'am' and 'pm' to distinguish between the morning and afternoon/evening hours. The designation of 12 o’clock, especially at noon and midnight, can sometimes be confusing. Understanding this helps ensure you use the correct time format in schedules and communication.
Methods
Math Tutor Explanation Using the 12-Hour Clock Method
The 12-hour clock divides the day into two cycles of 12 hours each, labeled 'am' and 'pm'. Here’s how to determine the correct label for 12 o’clock in the afternoon:
Step 1: Step 1: Remember that 'am' stands for ante meridiem (before noon) and 'pm' stands for post meridiem (after noon)
Step 2: Step 2: Note that at exactly 12 o’clock in the afternoon (when the sun is at its highest point), this moment starts the 'pm' timespan
Math Tutor Explanation Using Time Number Line
A time number line from midnight to the next midnight helps visualize the transition from 'am' to 'pm':
Step 1: Step 1: Place 12:00 am at the very start of the day (midnight), and count up through the morning hours as 'am'
Step 2: Step 2: The moment the clock reaches 12:00 noon, 'pm' begins, marking the start of the afternoon
Step 1:
Step 2:
Math Tutor suggests: Mastering Time: AM, PM, and Military Time
Understanding how we tell time can be confusing! Here are some related questions to help you distinguish between AM, PM, and various ways to express time.
FAQ on Time Designations
Is 12:00 pm noon or midnight?
12:00 pm is noon.
Is 12:00 am midnight?
Yes, 12:00 am refers to midnight.
Why do people confuse 12 am and 12 pm?
Because 12 marks the transition point between am and pm, making it easy to mix up which applies to noon or midnight.
How do I avoid confusion when scheduling?
It helps to use the terms 'midnight' or 'noon' instead of 12 am or 12 pm, or use a 24-hour clock format.
Math & reading from 1st to 9th grade
Online Summer Camp for Kids and Teens
Choose kid's grade
