Hours Calculator
Calculate the total time between two times or add up multiple work periods. Easily track hours and minutes for work, shifts, timesheets, payroll and everyday time calculations.
How to Use
1. Enter Your Start Time
Select the time you started working or the beginning of the time period you want to calculate.
2. Enter Your End Time
Select the time you finished working or the end of the time period.
3. Add Break Time if Needed
Enter any unpaid break time you want deducted from the total hours.
4. Calculate Your Hours
Click Calculate to see your total hours and minutes, including the total expressed in decimal hours.
Hours Calculator
Enter your start time, end time and optional break duration below to calculate your total working time in hours and minutes.
What Do These Results Mean?
Total Time
The total working time between the start and end times after any break has been deducted.
Decimal Hours
The total working time expressed as a decimal. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes is shown as 7.50 hours.
Total Minutes
The full working time converted into minutes after the break is deducted.
Break Deducted
The number of break minutes removed from the total time.
Overnight Shift
If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator treats the shift as continuing into the next day.
Example Calculation
See how the Hours Calculator works with a simple example.
Example:
Suppose you start work at 9:00 AM, finish at 5:30 PM, and take a 30-minute unpaid break.
Start Time: 9:00 AM
End Time: 5:30 PM
Time Before Break: 8 hours 30 minutes
Break: 30 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 0 minutes
Decimal Hours: 8.00 hours
Total Minutes: 480 minutes
Explanation
The time between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. After subtracting the 30-minute break, the total working time is 8 hours, which equals 8.00 decimal hours or 480 minutes.
Hours Calculation Formula
The Hours Calculator converts the start and end times into minutes, calculates the difference and subtracts any break time entered.
Total Time Before Break
Total Time = End Time − Start Time
For an overnight shift, the calculator treats the end time as occurring on the following day.
Net Working Time
Net Working Time = Total Time − Break Time
Decimal Hours
Decimal Hours = Net Working Minutes ÷ 60
For example:
7 hours 30 minutes = 7.50 decimal hours
Total Minutes
Total Minutes = (Hours × 60) + Minutes
Hours Calculator Terms Explained
Understand the key time and work-hour terms used in the Hours Calculator.
Start Time
The time when the work period, shift or activity begins.
End Time
The time when the work period, shift or activity ends.
Break Time
The amount of time deducted from the total period, such as an unpaid lunch or rest break.
Total Time
The amount of time worked after any entered break has been deducted.
Decimal Hours
Working time expressed as a decimal number rather than hours and minutes. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes = 7.50 hours.
Total Minutes
The total working time converted entirely into minutes.
Overnight Shift
A work period that begins on one day and ends the following day, such as 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about calculating working hours, breaks and overnight shifts.
Can the Hours Calculator calculate overnight shifts?
Yes. If your end time is earlier than your start time, the calculator treats the end time as occurring on the following day.
How do I deduct a break from my working hours?
Enter the length of your break in minutes. The calculator automatically subtracts it from the total time between your start and end times.
What are decimal hours?
Decimal hours express hours and minutes as a decimal number. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes equals 7.50 hours, while 7 hours 15 minutes equals 7.25 hours.
Can I use this calculator for timesheets and payroll?
Yes. It can help calculate working time for timesheets, shifts and payroll preparation. However, always check your employer's or payroll system's rules for breaks, rounding and paid working time.
Disclaimer
This Hours Calculator is provided for general informational and productivity purposes only.
Results are based on the times and break duration entered and should not be considered official payroll, employment or legal calculations.
Workplace rules for paid breaks, overtime, rounding and working hours may vary. Always check the applicable employment terms or payroll requirements where necessary.