Time / Elapsed Time
Elapsed Time Worksheets
Calculate how much time has passed between two clock times. Grades 3–4.
⏱️
How long?
Start time and end time given → find duration
🏁
What time ends?
Start time and duration given → find end time
🕐
What time starts?
End time and duration given → find start time
The Jump Strategy
The easiest way to calculate elapsed time is to break it into jumps — first to the next whole hour, then count full hours, then add remaining minutes.
Example: How long from 9:45am to 11:20am?
- Step 1: 9:45 → 10:00 = 15 minutes
- Step 2: 10:00 → 11:00 = 60 minutes (1 hour)
- Step 3: 11:00 → 11:20 = 20 minutes
- Total: 15 + 60 + 20 = 95 minutes = 1 hour 35 minutes
Using a Number Line for Time
Draw a number line from start time to end time. Mark whole hours as big jumps. Minutes as small jumps.
9:45 ──── 15m ──→ 10:00 ──── 1hr ──→ 11:00 ──── 20m ──→ 11:20
⚠️ Watch Out: AM → PM Crossings
When a time span crosses noon (like 11:30am to 1:15pm), count through 12:00. Don't add/subtract raw hours — count through noon.
Practice Drills
20
Example: 7 × 3