Guides: countdowns and time explained
Short answers to common questions about reading time and using a countdown.
How a countdown works
A countdown is the gap between now and the next time you pick. If it is 1:15 PM and you pick 3 PM, the gap is 1 hour 45 minutes. If it is already 4 PM, the next 3 PM is tomorrow, so the timer counts to tomorrow.
12-hour and 24-hour time
The 12-hour clock uses AM and PM and counts 1 to 12 twice a day. The 24-hour clock counts 0 to 23. After noon, add 12: 2:30 PM is 14:30. Military time is the 24-hour clock written without a colon, so 2:30 PM is 1430.
12 AM or 12 PM?
12 AM is midnight, the start of the day. 12 PM is noon. The first minute after each is 12:01 AM and 12:01 PM.
Time zones and daylight saving
One moment shows a different clock time in different places. A countdown to 3 PM always means 3 PM where you are, unless you pick another city. Where clocks change in spring or autumn, the real time left can be an hour more or less than the plain clock difference. This site uses the time zone rules built into your browser.
Why a countdown may look wrong
The usual cause is the device clock or time zone. Make sure your phone or computer sets the time automatically and shows the right zone. Then reload the page.