Hours Calculator
Find how many hours are between two clock times, minus breaks, including shifts that run past midnight.
How to use the Hours Calculator
- Enter the start time.
- Enter the end time – An end time earlier than the start is treated as the next day.
- Enter the unpaid break.
- Enter the hourly rate.
- Press Calculate. The result updates automatically as you type.
About the Hours Calculator
The hours calculator measures the time between two clock times on the same day or across midnight. It is the quickest way to check a single shift, a babysitting job, parking time or how long a store is open. Enter an unpaid lunch or break in minutes and it is taken off the total.
Payroll systems usually record time in decimal hours, so 8 hours 15 minutes becomes 8.25 hours. Multiply by your hourly rate to estimate gross pay before taxes. For a whole week of shifts with overtime, use the Time Card Calculator.
Formula
hours = (end time − start time) − break
if end < start: add 24 hours (overnight)
decimal hours = minutes ÷ 60, pay = decimal hours × hourly rate
Example calculation
Using the default values:
- Start time = 08:30
- End time = 17:15
- Unpaid break = 30 min
the calculator returns:
- Hours worked: 8 h 15 min
- Decimal hours: 8.25 h
- Total minutes: 495 min
- Time span (before break): 8 h 45 min (8:30 AM – 5:15 PM)
Frequently asked questions
How many hours is 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM with a 30-minute break?
The span is 8 hours 45 minutes; minus the 30-minute break that leaves 8 hours 15 minutes, or 8.25 decimal hours.
How do I calculate hours for an overnight shift?
Enter the times as usual. If the end time is earlier than the start time (for example 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM), the calculator adds 24 hours, giving 8 hours.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours for payroll?
Divide the minutes by 60: 15 min = 0.25 h, 30 min = 0.5 h, 45 min = 0.75 h.
Last updated: · Category: Time & Date calculators