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Time questions are a favourite on the CSSE 11+ maths paper. These questions test whether you can work confidently with hours, minutes, the 24-hour clock, and real-world timetables. The CSSE is known for multi-step time problems that combine calculation with careful reading. This lesson will make sure you are fully prepared.
| 12-hour clock | 24-hour clock |
|---|---|
| 12:00 midnight | 00:00 |
| 6:30 am | 06:30 |
| 12:00 noon | 12:00 |
| 1:00 pm | 13:00 |
| 4:45 pm | 16:45 |
| 9:15 pm | 21:15 |
| 11:59 pm | 23:59 |
To convert from 12-hour to 24-hour (afternoon/evening): add 12 to the hours.
To convert from 24-hour to 12-hour: if the hour is 13 or more, subtract 12 and add "pm".
The most common time question: "How long is the journey from ... to ...?"
This is the safest method. Count from the start time to the end time in stages.
A film starts at 14:35 and ends at 16:20. How long is the film?
A train departs at 10:48 and arrives at 13:12. How long is the journey?
| Conversion | |
|---|---|
| 1 hour = 60 minutes | |
| 1/2 hour = 30 minutes | |
| 1/4 hour = 15 minutes | |
| 3/4 hour = 45 minutes | |
| 1 day = 24 hours | |
| 1 week = 7 days |
How many hours and minutes is 185 minutes?
How many minutes is 2 hours 35 minutes?
A journey takes 2 hours 45 minutes. It starts at 09:40. What time does it end?
Method: Add hours first, then minutes.
A bus arrives at 15:10. The journey took 1 hour 35 minutes. What time did it depart?
Method: Subtract hours first, then minutes.
CSSE Tip: When subtracting minutes takes you below :00, borrow 1 hour (= 60 minutes). For example: 14:10 - 35 minutes = 13:70 - 35 = 13:35.
Timetable questions appear frequently on the CSSE. You need to read carefully across rows and down columns.
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