Hours Calculator | Calculate Time Duration

Hours Calculator

Calculate hours worked between two times, account for breaks, and compute earnings. Perfect for timesheets, payroll, and time tracking.

Work Hours Calculator

When you started work

When you finished work

Unpaid break time

Your hourly pay rate

What is an Hours Calculator?

An hours calculator (also called a time card calculator or work hours calculator) computes the total time worked between a start and end time, accounting for breaks. It's essential for accurate timekeeping, payroll processing, and compliance with labor laws.

The calculator converts time into decimal hours (the format used by most payroll systems) and can calculate gross pay when you provide an hourly rate. It also handles overnight shifts that span midnight.

Key Features:

  • Decimal Conversion: Converts hours/minutes to decimal format (e.g., 8h 30m = 8.50 hours)
  • Break Deduction: Automatically subtracts unpaid break time
  • Overnight Shifts: Correctly handles shifts that cross midnight
  • Pay Calculation: Computes earnings including overtime (1.5× after 8 hours)

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter Start and End Times

Input when you started and finished work. Use 24-hour format or your browser's time picker. The calculator automatically handles overnight shifts.

2

Add Break Time

Enter the total unpaid break time in minutes. If you took a 30-minute lunch and a 15-minute break, enter 45 minutes.

3

Enter Hourly Rate (Optional)

If you want to calculate earnings, enter your hourly pay rate. The calculator will compute your gross pay including overtime premium.

4

Review Results

The calculator shows total hours in both standard (8h 30m) and decimal (8.50) formats, plus earnings if applicable.

Worked Examples

Example 1: Standard 8-Hour Day

Input:

  • Start: 9:00 AM
  • End: 5:30 PM
  • Break: 30 minutes
  • Rate: $25/hour

Calculation:

  • Total time: 5:30 PM - 9:00 AM = 8 hours 30 minutes = 510 minutes
  • Less break: 510 - 30 = 480 minutes
  • Hours worked: 480 ÷ 60 = 8.00 hours
  • Earnings: 8.00 × $25 = $200.00

Example 2: Overtime Shift

Input:

  • Start: 8:00 AM
  • End: 6:00 PM
  • Break: 45 minutes
  • Rate: $20/hour

Calculation:

  • Total time: 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM = 10 hours = 600 minutes
  • Less break: 600 - 45 = 555 minutes
  • Hours worked: 555 ÷ 60 = 9.25 hours
  • Regular (8 hours): 8.00 × $20 = $160.00
  • Overtime (1.25 hours): 1.25 × $20 × 1.5 = $37.50
  • Total earnings: $197.50

Example 3: Overnight Shift

Input:

  • Start: 11:00 PM
  • End: 7:00 AM (next day)
  • Break: 30 minutes
  • Rate: $18/hour

Calculation:

  • Total time: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PM = 8 hours (crossing midnight)
  • In minutes: (24:00 - 23:00) + (7:00 - 0:00) = 1 hour + 7 hours = 8 hours = 480 minutes
  • Less break: 480 - 30 = 450 minutes
  • Hours worked: 450 ÷ 60 = 7.50 hours
  • Earnings: 7.50 × $18 = $135.00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is decimal time format?

Decimal time converts hours and minutes into a decimal number. For example, 8 hours 30 minutes = 8.50 hours (not 8.30!). This format is used in payroll because it simplifies calculations: 8.50 hours × $20/hour = $170. To convert: divide minutes by 60 and add to hours (30 ÷ 60 = 0.50).

How is overtime calculated?

In the US, federal law requires overtime pay at 1.5× the regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states also require daily overtime (California: over 8 hours/day or 40/week). This calculator uses 8 hours as the daily threshold. Check your local labor laws as rules vary by location and industry.

Should breaks be paid or unpaid?

In the US, federal law requires paid breaks for nursing mothers and recommends (but doesn't require) paid breaks under 20 minutes. Meal breaks (typically 30+ minutes) are usually unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of duties. State laws vary—some mandate breaks and specify if they're paid or unpaid.

How do I track hours for multiple jobs?

Calculate each shift separately and sum the decimal hours. For example: Job 1 (5.5 hours) + Job 2 (3.25 hours) = 8.75 hours total. If both jobs are with the same employer, they may be required to pay overtime for combined hours over 40/week.

What if I forgot to clock in or out?

Estimate your work times as accurately as possible and note that they're estimated. Check with colleagues, security logs, computer login times, or emails sent during those hours to reconstruct your schedule. Inform your supervisor immediately about the missed clock-in/out.

How accurate should time tracking be?

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to keep accurate records of hours worked. Most payroll systems round to the nearest quarter-hour (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00) or tenth-hour (0.1, 0.2, etc.). Employers must round consistently and fairly—systematic under-rounding is wage theft.

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