Reading and calculating time for 11+ maths (CEM & GL)
21 October 2026
Why time questions matter
Understanding how to read and calculate time is a key skill for 11+ maths exams. Both CEM and GL exam boards include time questions to test real-life maths and careful working.
Common question types
Children may be asked to read analogue or digital clocks, convert between 12-hour and 24-hour times, calculate time intervals, or solve problems involving timetables. Questions often involve working with hours and minutes, and sometimes require converting between units.
Worked example
If a train departs at 14:25 and arrives at 16:10, how long is the journey?
First, count the full hours from 14:25 to 15:25. That is 1 hour.
Next, count from 15:25 to 16:10. That is 45 minutes.
Add the two parts together: 1 hour + 45 minutes.
The correct answer is 1 hour 45 minutes.
Tips for practising at home
Use real clocks to practise reading times and converting between 12-hour and 24-hour formats. Try timing activities together and working out how long they take. Encourage your child to practise time interval questions using bus or train timetables, and to always check their working.
Key insight: Confidence with time questions comes from regular practice, clear examples, and understanding how to break problems into simple steps.
