Reading 3:20 on an Analog Clock
Also said as “20 past 3”
Where Do the Hands Point?
- Minute hand (long hand)
- exactly at the 4
- Hour hand (short hand)
- about one-quarter of the way between 3 and 4
How to Read 3:20 — Step by Step
- Find the minute hand (the longer hand). It is exactly at the 4. Count 20 minutes clockwise from 12.
- Find the hour hand (the shorter hand). It sits about one-quarter of the way between 3 and 4, confirming the hour is 3.
- Combine both: The time is 3:20 — spoken as “20 past 3.”
Common Mistake at 3:20
At 3:20 the hands can look similar to nearby round times. Always count carefully: the short hand = hour, the long hand = minutes.
Practice Analog Clock Reading
Identify random clock times as fast as you can. The more you practice, the quicker 3:20 — and every other time — becomes second nature.
Related Times to Explore
Want structured drills? Try 5-minute interval practice or master exact times like 3:20.