Hrs vs. Hour: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 21, 2024
"Hrs" is an abbreviation for hours, used in informal writing and schedules, while "hour" is the singular form, denoting a unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
Key Differences
"Hrs" is the abbreviated form of "hours," commonly used in contexts such as schedules, timetables, and notes where brevity is needed. It is often seen in informal writing, on signs, and in text where space is limited. "Hour," on the other hand, is the full term and singular form of the unit of time that equals 60 minutes. It is used in both formal and informal writing to describe time duration or specific times of the day.
"Hrs" simplifies and shortens communication, making it useful for quick references. However, "hour" and "hours" are more appropriate in formal writing and contexts where clarity and precision are essential.
Both terms are integral in time-related contexts, but their usage depends on the formality and space constraints of the communication.
Comparison Chart
Form
Abbreviated
Full term
Number
Plural (hours)
Singular (hour)
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Usage Context
Informal, schedules, notes
Formal and informal, general writing
Common Examples
"Working hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (8 hrs)"
"The flight lasts for one hour."
Formality
Less formal
More formal
Hrs and Hour Definitions
Hrs
Indicates duration or period of time.
Work shifts are typically 8 hrs long.
Hour
Used to describe specific times or durations.
He arrived an hour late.
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Hrs
Informal context, often seen in quick references.
Library hours: Mon-Fri, 9 AM - 5 PM (8 hrs/day).
Hour
A unit of time equal to 60 minutes.
The lecture lasts for one hour.
Hrs
Abbreviation for hours.
The store is open for 10 hrs today.
Hour
Singular form for indicating a single 60-minute period.
It will take about an hour to finish.
Hrs
Common in notes, signs, and informal documents.
Lunch break: 1 hr (12 PM - 1 PM).
Hour
Integral in timekeeping and time management.
She spends an hour every day reading.
Hrs
Used in schedules and timetables for brevity.
The event runs from 2 PM to 6 PM (4 hrs).
Hour
One of the 24 equal parts of a day.
Hrs
Plural of hr; hours
Hour
One of the points on a timepiece marking off 12 or 24 successive intervals of 60 minutes, from midnight to noon and noon to midnight or from midnight to midnight.
Hour
The time of day indicated by a 12-hour clock.
Hour
Hours The time of day determined on a 24-hour basis
1730 hours is 5:30 PM.
Hour
A unit of measure of longitude or right ascension, equal to 15° or 1/24 of a great circle.
Hour
A customary or fixed time
The dinner hour.
Hour
Hours A set or customary period of time for a specified activity
Banking hours.
Hour
A particular time
Their hour of need.
Hour
A significant time
Her hour had come.
Hour
The present time
The man of the hour.
Hour
The work that can be accomplished in an hour.
Hour
The distance that can be traveled in an hour.
Hour
A single session of a school day or class.
Hour
A credit hour.
Hour
Hours(Ecclesiastical) The canonical hours.
Hour
A time period of sixty minutes; one twenty-fourth of a day.
I spent an hour at lunch.
Hour
A season, moment, or time.
Hour
(poetic) The time.
The hour grows late and I must go home.
Hour
Used after a two-digit hour and a two-digit minute to indicate time.
Hour
The set times of prayer, the canonical hours, the offices or services prescribed for these, or a book containing them.
Hour
A distance that can be traveled in one hour.
This place is an hour away from where I live.
Hour
The twenty-fourth part of a day; sixty minutes.
Hour
The time of the day, as expressed in hours and minutes, and indicated by a timepiece; as, what is the hour? At what hour shall we meet?
Hour
Fixed or appointed time; conjuncture; a particular time or occasion; as, the hour of greatest peril; the man for the hour.
Woman, . . . mine hour is not yet come.
This is your hour, and the power of darkness.
Hour
Certain prayers to be repeated at stated times of the day, as matins and vespers.
Hour
A measure of distance traveled.
Vilvoorden, three hours from Brussels.
Hour
A period of time equal to 1/24th of a day;
The job will take more than an hour
Hour
Clock time;
The hour is getting late
Hour
A special and memorable period;
It was their finest hour
Hour
Distance measured by the time taken to cover it;
We live an hour from the airport
Its just 10 minutes away
Hour
Appropriate for both formal and informal writing.
The meeting will begin in one hour.
FAQs
Is "hour" the same as "hrs"?
"Hour" is the singular form, while "hrs" is the plural abbreviation of "hours."
How many minutes are in an hour?
There are 60 minutes in an hour.
Can "hrs" be used for both singular and plural?
No, "hrs" is used only for the plural form "hours."
Can "hrs" be used in formal writing?
"Hrs" is less formal and typically avoided in formal writing.
Is "hour" more appropriate in formal contexts?
Yes, "hour" and "hours" are more appropriate in formal contexts.
When should "hrs" be used?
"Hrs" should be used in informal contexts, schedules, timetables, and notes where brevity is needed.
What is an example of using "hrs" in a sentence?
"The office is open for 8 hrs today."
What does "hrs" stand for?
"Hrs" is an abbreviation for "hours."
Is "hour" used in both written and spoken language?
Yes, "hour" is commonly used in both written and spoken language.
What is a common phrase involving "hour"?
"Rush hour" refers to the peak traffic times during the morning and evening commutes.
What is the role of "hour" in timekeeping?
"Hour" is a fundamental unit for measuring and expressing time.
What is a common usage of "hour"?
"Hour" is used to describe a specific time duration or a period of 60 minutes.
How do you abbreviate "hours"?
"Hours" can be abbreviated as "hrs."
What is an example of using "hour" in a sentence?
"The movie will start in one hour."
Where is "hrs" commonly seen?
"Hrs" is commonly seen in schedules, signs, notes, and informal documents.
Why use "hrs" instead of "hours"?
"Hrs" is used to save space and provide quick references in informal contexts.
Is it correct to say "an hrs"?
No, the correct form is "an hour" or "hours" if plural.
Is "hrs" widely understood?
Yes, "hrs" is widely understood as an abbreviation for "hours," especially in informal contexts.
Can "hrs" be used in emails?
"Hrs" can be used in informal emails, but "hours" is preferred in formal correspondence.
How does "hour" contribute to time management?
"Hour" helps in scheduling and tracking time durations for activities and events.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.