Reading and Calculating Time for 11+ Maths (CEM & GL)
21 October 2026
Why time skills matter for 11+
Reading and calculating time is a key part of the 11+ maths exam. Children need to read clocks, work with time intervals and solve real-life word problems. These skills often appear in both CEM and GL style questions.
Reading analogue and digital clocks
Children should practise reading time on both analogue and digital clocks. Analogue clocks use a face with hour and minute hands. Digital clocks show the time in numbers. It is important to be able to convert between 12-hour (am/pm) and 24-hour formats. For example, 3:15 pm is 15:15 in 24-hour time.
Adding and subtracting time
To calculate time intervals, add or subtract hours and minutes. When moving across hours, remember that 60 minutes make an hour. For subtraction, count up in steps rather than subtracting as normal numbers. This avoids mistakes, especially when minutes cross the hour.
Worked example
Start time: 2:35 pm
Add 1 hour: 2:35 pm + 1 hour = 3:35 pm
Add 45 minutes: 3:35 pm + 45 minutes = 4:20 pm
The correct answer is 4:20 pm.
Summary and next steps
Practise reading both types of clocks and converting between time formats. Use stepwise methods for adding or subtracting time. Encourage your child to check their answers by working through each stage carefully.
Key insight: Regular practice with reading and calculating time builds accuracy and confidence. These skills are essential for tackling 11+ maths questions involving timetables and real-life scenarios.
