Time Ranges
Time-range formatting depends on context. Microsoft recommends “to” in running text and an unspaced en dash in many schedules, while Australian Government guidance varies en-dash spacing according to AM/PM and words such as noon or midnight.
For prose, write a time range with “to” when that matches the house style, such as “10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.” Schedules may use an en dash; spacing depends on the chosen style and the elements in the range.
Key details
Important caveats
Spacing Boundary
En-dash spacing can change depending on whether AM/PM or words such as noon/midnight appear on both sides.
Further guidance
Practical Application
Choose a time-range format by context: running prose can use “to,” while compact schedules may use an en dash. Apply one house style consistently, including AM/PM and spacing conventions.
Prose Vs Display
Use words such as “to” in ordinary prose when the style calls for them; compact schedules can use an en dash.
Reader Check
Can a reader identify both endpoints immediately, and does the chosen “to” or dash treatment match the document’s style for times?
Worked Example
Example: “The workshop runs from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.” A timetable may instead show “10:00 AM–2:00 PM” if that is the governing style.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Date and time terms — Microsoft Style Guide (opens in a new tab)Microsoft · Official Microsoft house-style guidance for dates and times, including date ordering and formatting examples.
- Dates and time — Australian Government Style Manual (opens in a new tab)Australian Government Style Manual · Australian Government guidance for day–month–year dates, ordinal dates, decades, centuries, time zones, and en-dash spacing in date/time spans