AM and PM Explained: Is Noon 12 AM or 12 PM?
AM stands for ante meridiem, Latin for before midday, and PM stands for post meridiem, after midday.
The confusing hours
Noon is 12 pm, because it is the first moment after the meridian. Midnight is 12 am, the start of the new day. To avoid confusion, many people write noon and midnight in full, or use the 24-hour clock.
Frequently asked questions
What is 12:30 am?
12:30 am is half an hour after midnight, written 00:30 on the 24-hour clock.