GMT vs Local Time: Difference and Comparison

It all started in the year 1800 when transport and communication services were becoming faster, and it was becoming more and more difficult to coordinate between locations which were too far away.

The longitude marked on the map of India has been considered the central longitude of India. This time is called IST (Indian Standard local Time) and passes from Allahabad to Uttar Pradesh.

Key Takeaways

  1. GMT is the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, while local time is in a specific location.
  2. GMT is a universal standard for coordinating time across different time zones, while local time is specific to a particular location.
  3. GMT is the reference point for calculating time differences between different time zones, while local time is used for day-to-day activities in a particular location.

GMT vs Local Time

Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is the mean solar time at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, and is used as a time reference for various purposes, including timekeeping and aviation. Local time, on the other hand, is the specific time in the geographical area or time zone where a person lives.

GMT vs Local Time 1

 

Comparison Table

Parameter of ComparisonGMTLocal Time
ImplicationGMT (Greenwich mean time) can be treated as the middlemost longitude line, also called the prime meridian.The longitudinal lines on the globe are considered the time reference of that place and are called the local time of that place.
ImportanceGreenwich is located on the Prime Meridian, which decides the time lag for other countries.It solves the problem of the time lag between different countries.
Main featuresEarth was divided into 24 different time zones. The countries on the right of the Prime meridian are considered ahead in time, and lands on the left are considered behind the time.One day is the time passed between two peak positions of the sun. The longitudinal lines represent the local time.
HistoryGMT was created in 1884 when 26 countries met on time lag. Greenwich royal observatory was considered the point of reference.As when GMT was created, local time was also created. There are 23 more local time zones apart from GMT.
AdvantagesWe can quickly tell the exact time in other countries with the help of GMT because it is located on the prime meridian.Establishes the basis of time in different parts of the globe far away.

 

What is GMT?

The complete form of GMT is Greenwich Mean Time. Greenwich is a royal laboratory located in London that passes through the global Prime Meridian.

A total of 24 different time zones were created in 1884 in a meeting with 26 different countries in Washington, D.C. All other 23 (Local time zones) were referenced accordingly with the Prime meridian.

There is a difference of 15o in each successive time zones, and the farther the longitude is from the prime meridian, the more the local time of that place is ahead or behind the GMT.

The countries on the right of the prime meridian are ahead of GMT, and the countries on the left of the prime meridian are behind GMT.

gmt
 

What is Local Time?

With the creation of GMT, the other 23 local time zones were also created. On the globe, there are a total of 24 imaginary longitudinal lines representing the basis of time in different parts of the world. In theory, one day is the time passed between two peak positions of the sun.

Every longitude line is 15o apart from each other, and for every 150, there is a time lag of two hours.

The farther the longitudinal line is from the prime meridian, the more there will be a time gap between the GMT and that time zone.

local time

Main Differences Between GMT and Local Time

  1. The main difference between GMT and local time is that GMT is used for places near London, whereas local time is the time zone at 23 different longitudinal lines.
  2. GMT is located at the prime meridian on the globe, but on the other hand, local time is determined by the time represented by the longitudinal lines present on the globe.

Difference Between X and Y 2023 04 06T160922.143
References
  1. https://greenwichmeantime.com/what-is-gmt/
  2. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/local-time

Last Updated : 11 June, 2023

dot 1
One request?

I’ve put so much effort writing this blog post to provide value to you. It’ll be very helpful for me, if you consider sharing it on social media or with your friends/family. SHARING IS ♥️

23 thoughts on “GMT vs Local Time: Difference and Comparison”

  1. A well-presented overview of GMT and local time, providing a comprehensive understanding of their respective roles. A commendable effort.

    Reply
  2. An interesting breakdown of GMT and local time. It offers valuable insights into their usage and historical significance. Well done!

    Reply
  3. This article is an excellent source for clarifying the distinction between GMT and local time, it’s concise and well-explained. A valuable reference for those seeking clarity on the topic.

    Reply
    • Couldn’t have said it better myself. The article certainly serves as a clear and concise guide to understand the GMT and local time difference.

      Reply
    • Absolutely, it’s a reliable piece for anyone looking to grasp the concepts of GMT and local time. Well-structured and informative.

      Reply
  4. A very informative and detailed article, showing a nice comparison between GMT and local time. It’s intriguing to know about the history behind these time zones.

    Reply
  5. While the article is well-researched, it seems to lack the depth of understanding the complexities of timekeeping. There may be certain nuances overlooked in this simplified comparison.

    Reply
    • I understand what you’re trying to convey, but I believe the article is intended for a general audience seeking a basic understanding of the topic. I found it quite informative for such an audience.

      Reply
  6. An insightful and well-structured account of the distinctions between GMT and local time, extending valuable elucidation on the subject matter. An impressive piece of work.

    Reply
    • Absolutely, the article provides an insightful demarcation of the divergent dimensions of GMT and local time, enhancing readers’ comprehension of the multifarious world of timekeeping.

      Reply
  7. A well-expounded exposition on GMT and local time, elucidating the subtle yet significant differences between the two. It offers a commendable reference for those inquiring into the intricacies of timekeeping.

    Reply
    • Precisely, the article charts a comprehensive portrayal of the differential temperaments of GMT and local time, serving as an instructive primer for timekeeping comprehension.

      Reply
    • Certainly, the article encapsulates a thorough dissection of the multifaceted GMT and local time, catering to the intellectual curiosity of its readers. A commendable piece.

      Reply
  8. A thorough and well-articulated comparison of GMT and local time. The article’s detailed analysis offers a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

    Reply
    • It’s refreshing to come across an article that goes beyond the surface, offering a comprehensive look at the differences between GMT and local time. Well-executed.

      Reply
    • Indeed, the article’s in-depth exploration of the topic provides a coherent overview of GMT and local time and their respective significance.

      Reply
  9. While the article elucidates the fundamental disparity between GMT and local time, it lacks a critical examination of the practical implications and operational variances – a noteworthy facet that could enhance its comprehensiveness.

    Reply
    • I understand your perspective, yet it’s important to acknowledge the article’s aim to provide a foundational understanding of the divergence between GMT and local time for a wider readership.

      Reply
  10. An enlightening portrayal of the dissimilarity between GMT and local time, offering a compelling insight into their respective functions. A well-crafted article.

    Reply
    • Agreed, the article’s comprehensive analysis provides a coherent contrast between GMT and local time, amplifying its value as an educational resource.

      Reply
    • Absolutely, the article does an exceptional job of unraveling the disparities and applications of GMT and local time, catering to the curiosity of those seeking lucidity on the subject.

      Reply

Leave a Comment

Want to save this article for later? Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your own articles box!