How do I calculate hours between two times?

Subtract the start time from the end time. For example, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM = 8 hours. If times cross midnight, add 24 hours to the end time first. Our calculator handles this automatically.

How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal?

Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. For example: 8 hours 30 minutes = 8 + (30÷60) = 8.5 decimal hours. 8 hours 45 minutes = 8 + (45÷60) = 8.75 decimal hours.

How do I calculate work hours with lunch break?

Calculate the total time from start to end, then subtract the lunch break. For example: 8 AM to 5 PM = 9 hours total. Minus 1 hour lunch = 8 hours worked. Most unpaid lunch breaks are 30-60 minutes.

How do I calculate overnight shift hours?

For shifts crossing midnight (like 10 PM to 6 AM), the calculator automatically adds 24 hours. 10 PM to 6 AM = 8 hours. Simply enter the start and end times and select AM/PM correctly.

How do I calculate overtime hours?

First calculate total hours worked in a week. Hours over 40 are typically overtime. Daily overtime may apply for shifts over 8 hours depending on your location. Our calculator shows when you exceed standard thresholds.

What is quarter-hour rounding?

Many employers round time to the nearest 15 minutes. 8:07 rounds to 8:00, while 8:08 rounds to 8:15. Check your employer's policy - some round to 6-minute intervals (1/10th hour) for more precision.

How many work hours in a year?

A standard full-time year is 2,080 hours (40 hours/week × 52 weeks). After typical holidays and vacation (about 10-15 days), actual work hours are around 1,920-2,000 hours per year.

How do I calculate hours for payroll?

Use decimal hours for easy payroll math. Calculate each day's hours, sum them for the pay period, then multiply by hourly rate. Example: 42.5 hours × $20/hour = $850 (40 regular + 2.5 overtime at 1.5x).

What's the difference between elapsed time and worked time?

Elapsed time is total time from start to finish. Worked time is elapsed time minus breaks. If you're at work from 8 AM to 5 PM (9 hours elapsed) with 1 hour lunch, your worked time is 8 hours.

How do I track hours for multiple jobs?

Calculate hours for each job separately, keeping detailed records of start times, end times, and breaks. Use our calculator for each shift and maintain a spreadsheet or time-tracking app for weekly totals.

Hours Calculator - Calculate Hours Between Times & Work Hours

The Hours Calculator helps you find the exact duration between any two times. Whether you're calculating work hours for payroll, tracking shift durations, or managing timesheets, this tool handles it all including break deductions, overnight shifts, and overtime calculations.

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calendar_today Updated: April 2026

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Time Format

loginStart Time

logoutEnd Time

coffeeBreak Time (unpaid)

paymentsHourly Rate (optional)

Work Duration

8 h 0 m

Decimal Hours

8.00

Total Minutes

480

Use decimal hours for payroll calculations

Time Breakdown

Start Time 9:00 AM

End Time 5:30 PM

Elapsed Time 8h 30m

Break Deducted -30m

Net Work Time 8h 0m

Input Values

Calculate

Hours Between Two Times

End Time (from start + hours)

Start Time (from end - hours)

Time Format

12-hour (AM/PM)

24-hour (Military)

Start Hour

Start Minute

AM/PM

End Hour

End Minute

AM/PM

Duration Hours

Duration Minutes

Break Time (minutes)

Hourly Rate (optional)

Overtime After (hours)

Overtime Multiplier

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lightbulb Tips

•Standard workday = 8 hours
•15 min = 0.25, 30 min = 0.5 hr
•Overtime usually after 40 hrs/week
•Don't forget to deduct breaks!

schedule Decimal Hours

15 minutes 0.25 hrs

30 minutes 0.50 hrs

45 minutes 0.75 hrs

1 hour 1.00 hrs

8h 30m (standard) 8.50 hrs

How to Use This Calculator

Enter Start Time

Input when you clocked in or started work. Select AM/PM for 12-hour format.

logout

Enter End Time

Input when you clocked out or finished. The calculator handles overnight shifts automatically.

coffee

Add Break Time

Enter unpaid break minutes (like lunch) to deduct from total hours.

payments

Calculate Earnings

Optionally enter your hourly rate to see total earnings including overtime.

The Formula

The calculator finds the difference between end and start times, then subtracts any break time. For overnight shifts crossing midnight, it automatically handles the day transition.

Duration = End Time - Start Time - Breaks

lightbulb Variables Explained

Start Time When you started (clock in time)
End Time When you finished (clock out time)
Breaks Total break time to deduct (lunch, etc.)

tips_and_updates Pro Tips

For overnight shifts (e.g., 10 PM to 6 AM), the calculator automatically handles crossing midnight.

Decimal hours are useful for payroll: 8 hours 30 minutes = 8.5 hours for easy multiplication with hourly rate.

Don't forget to deduct unpaid breaks - most employers require a 30-60 minute lunch break for shifts over 6 hours.

Standard work week is 40 hours. Hours beyond this are typically overtime (1.5x pay rate).

Keep accurate time records - round to the nearest 15 minutes if your employer uses quarter-hour rounding.

For multiple shifts, calculate each separately and add them together for weekly totals.

Calculate Hours Between Times

Accurately calculate work hours, shift durations, and time intervals. Perfect for payroll, timesheets, and time tracking with support for breaks and overtime.

How to Calculate Hours Worked

To calculate hours worked: subtract start time from end time, then deduct any unpaid breaks. For example, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM = 8.5 hours elapsed. Minus 30 min lunch = 8 hours worked. Always convert to the same format (24-hour) before subtracting.

Converting to Decimal Hours

Decimal hours simplify payroll calculations. Divide minutes by 60: 15 min = 0.25, 30 min = 0.5, 45 min = 0.75 hours. So 7 hours 45 minutes = 7.75 decimal hours. Multiply by hourly rate for easy earnings calculation.

Handling Overnight Shifts

For shifts crossing midnight (like 11 PM to 7 AM), add 24 hours to the end time before subtracting. 11 PM = 23:00, 7 AM = 7:00 + 24 = 31:00. Duration = 31 - 23 = 8 hours. Our calculator handles this automatically.

Understanding Break Time

Most jurisdictions require meal breaks for shifts over 5-6 hours. Typically 30-60 minutes for lunch, unpaid and deducted from work hours. Short rest breaks (10-15 min) are usually paid and not deducted. Check your local labor laws.

Calculating Overtime Pay

Overtime typically applies after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week at 1.5x regular rate (time and a half). Some states have daily overtime; others only weekly. Double time (2x) may apply for hours over 12/day or work on holidays.

Time Rounding Methods

Common rounding methods: Quarter-hour (15 min intervals), Tenth-hour (6 min intervals), actual time. Quarter-hour: 8:07 → 8:00, 8:08 → 8:15. Rounding must be neutral over time - not always in employer's favor.

Frequently Asked Questions

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