Payroll & Work Hours
Work Hours Calculator
Calculate hours worked between a start time and end time, minus any unpaid break, in both decimal and hh:mm format.
If your shift crosses midnight (e.g. 22:00 to 06:00), the end time is treated as the next day automatically.
Hours Worked
Decimal Hours 0
hh:mm 0:00
Total Hours 0
How many hours was this shift?
End time minus start time, minus unpaid break. Overnight work wraps past 24:00. Use this for one punch pair; use time card for a week.
Paid vs unpaid lunch
US meal-break rules vary by state and employer. If lunch is unpaid, subtract it here. If it is paid, leave break at 0.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate hours worked between two times?
Subtract the start time from the end time to get total elapsed time, then subtract any unpaid break time. For example, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM is 8 hours; subtract a 30-minute break and you get 7.5 hours worked.
How does this calculator handle overnight shifts?
If the end time is earlier than the start time (for example, starting at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM), the calculator automatically treats the end time as being on the next day.
What's the difference between decimal hours and hh:mm?
Decimal hours express partial hours as a fraction (7.5 hours), which is what payroll systems use to calculate pay. hh:mm format (7:30) is more familiar for reading a clock. This calculator shows both.
How do I calculate pay from hours worked?
Once you know your total hours worked, multiply by your hourly rate. Use the time and a half calculator if any of the hours are overtime.
Does this calculator round to the nearest quarter hour?
No, this calculator computes exact elapsed time down to the minute. Some workplaces round time card entries to the nearest 15 minutes for payroll purposes — check your employer's specific policy.
Can I use this for a weekly time card instead of a single shift?
For multiple days in one week, use the dedicated time card calculator, which totals hours across an entire week.
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