Keeping track of time can get confusing with 12-hour and 24-hour clocks. So, what time is 1520 in regular time? This article will explain what “15:20” means in both standard and military time.
Knowing how to convert time is important in industries that require precision, such as the military, aviation, and emergency services.
Decoding Military Time: What is 1520?
Military time uses a 24-hour clock, so you don’t have to wonder whether it’s AM or PM. It’s all about clarity and avoiding any confusion.
In military time, 1520 is stated as “fifteen twenty hours.”
Converting 1520 to Standard Time
To convert military time to standard time, you need to know that any number greater than 1200 is in the PM. So, 1520 is in the afternoon or evening.
To figure out the hour, subtract 12 from the first two digits: 15 – 12 = 3.
Therefore, 1520 in military time is 3:20 PM in standard time.
3:20 PM in Military Time: The Reverse Conversion
So, you want to know why 1520 is the same as 3:20 PM? Here’s the simple explanation:
To convert from standard time to military time, you don’t need to do anything to the AM hours. Just add “0” to the front if it’s a single digit.
But for PM times, just add 12 to the hour. So, in this case, you add 12 to the “3,” which gives you 15. Then, you add the minutes to the end. And there you have it: 3:20 PM = 1520 hours.
Once you know the rule, converting standard time to military time is a piece of cake!
Why use military time?
Why bother with military time, anyway? Here’s why:
- Precision and clarity. In situations where timing is critical (think military operations, aviation, and emergency services), you can’t afford to mix up AM and PM.
- Common applications. You’ll find military time used in the fields above, as well as in healthcare.
- Avoiding ambiguity. Using a 24-hour clock removes any possibility of misunderstanding what time of day it is.
When lives are on the line, you don’t want anyone asking, “Did you say 6 AM or 6 PM?”
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is 1520 in military time?
1520 in military time translates to 3:20 PM in standard time. Military time, also known as a 24-hour clock, counts hours continuously from 0000 (midnight) to 2359 (one minute before midnight). Therefore, to convert from military time to standard time for hours greater than 12, you simply subtract 12 from the hour. In this case, 15 – 12 = 3, giving us 3:20 PM.
Understanding military time can be useful in various situations, particularly when clear and unambiguous communication about time is crucial. It eliminates the potential confusion between AM and PM, making it a preferred format in fields like the military, aviation, emergency services, and healthcare. The consistent numbering system ensures that there’s no room for misinterpretation, which can be critical in time-sensitive environments.
So, whether you’re scheduling a meeting, coordinating an event, or simply trying to decipher a time written in the 24-hour format, knowing how to convert military time to standard time (and vice versa) is a handy skill to have. Just remember the simple rule: if the hour is greater than 12, subtract 12 to get the corresponding PM hour in standard time.
The Bottom Line
So, 1520 in military time is the same as 3:20 PM. And, of course, 3:20 PM is 1520 in military time. It works both ways.
Converting between these two systems can be tricky at first, but the more you practice, the easier it will get. Online conversion tools and charts can help.