Read the Exact Time

In this activity, we will be learning to read the exact time on an analogue clock, using the position of the hands. 

Clocks have an hour hand and a minute hand (and sometimes a second hand)

The hour hand is shorter than the minute hand. 

Let's try two example questions.

Example 1

Look at this clock. What is the time?

Answer

On this clock, the hour hand is pointing to between 6 and 7, so we know the time is before 7 o'clock, but after 6 o'clock. 

The minute hand is pointing to 6 which is halfway round the clock.

This clock has 60 small minute markers, but some clocks do not.

Each numbered section on the clock face is worth 5 minutes. 

So, on this clock, the minute hand has travelled to the 6th number. 

6 lots of 5 minutes equal 30 minutes or half an hour.

So the time shown is 6:30 or half past 6.

Example 2

What time does this clock show?

Answer

Notice that the hour hand has moved very slightly from the clock in example 1.

The time is still after 6 o'clock but before 7 o'clock.

The minute hand has moved forward one minute past the 6 marker.

So the time shown is 6:31.

Now it's your turn to try some questions like this.