University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Guidelines for displaying date and time data formats involve determining when to show them based on context, selecting appropriate formats or ranges, specifying time zones, using abbreviations when space is limited, and presenting the information in a conversational manner when possible.

Date and time

The date and time may be formatted in the following ways:

Time and date formats

To display a date or time range, show an en dash (without spaces) between a range of dates or times.

For example:
8:00 AM–12:30 PM
6 Jan–2 Feb

Add spaces when spelling out months, or to remove ambiguity.

Time and date ranges

As time zones vary across regions, time zone usage should be specific.

Time zones

Depending on the context, show either date or time, or both date and time.

When to show date and time

When space allows, display dates and times the way people naturally speak, so users immediately understand what the date or time refers to—for example, 'Store open 9:00 AM–Midnight' or 'Reminder for tomorrow afternoon.' Use relative terms such as 'yesterday' or 'tomorrow' when they apply, and when a day falls within the upcoming week, name the day of the week (for example, Tuesday).

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