How to explain compare clocks in time to your child: Example question
31 October 2026
When your child is learning to tell the time, they'll often need to compare clocks. Understanding which clock shows an earlier or later time is a key skill for 11+ maths and everyday life.
Here's a simple example to show how to compare two clocks and decide which time comes first.
Example question
Clock A shows 3:25. Clock B shows 3:40. Which clock shows the earlier time?
Step 1: Look at the hour hand on both clocks. Both clocks show 3, so the hour is the same.
Step 2: Look at the minute hand on both clocks. Clock A shows 25 minutes past. Clock B shows 40 minutes past.
Step 3: Compare the minutes. 25 is less than 40.
The correct answer is: Clock A shows the earlier time at 3:25.
Key insight: Now your child can spot which clock shows the earlier time by comparing the hour and minute hands. This helps build confidence with time questions in the 11+.
Ready to practise? Try more compare clocks in time questions to reinforce this skill.
