Timesheet utility
Hours Calculator
Calculate worked hours from a start time, end time, and unpaid break. The calculator returns both hours-and-minutes and decimal hours so the result is usable for timesheets, payroll review, invoices, and shift planning.
Hours Inputs
Enter the clock times exactly as they appear on the work log. Use the break field only for time that should be removed from worked time.
Direct Answer
With the current inputs, the worked time after unpaid breaks is:
Worked hours
8h 0m
Decimal hours: 8.00. Total minutes: 480.
| Result | Value | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Gross shift | 8h 30m | Time from start to end before break deduction. |
| Unpaid break | 30 minutes | Break time removed from worked hours. |
| Worked time | 8h 0m | The final hours-and-minutes answer. |
| Decimal hours | 8.00 | Useful for payroll, invoices, and spreadsheets. |
Formula and Method
The method is simple time arithmetic. The important part is deciding whether the end time belongs to the same day or the next day, and whether the break should be removed from the worked total.
| Step | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Gross minutes | end minutes - start minutes | 17:30 - 09:00 = 510 minutes |
| Net minutes | gross minutes - unpaid break | 510 - 30 = 480 minutes |
| Hours:minutes | net minutes / 60 | 8:00 |
| Decimal hours | net minutes / 60 | 480 / 60 = 8.00 |
Break Rules Checklist
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Was the break unpaid? | Only unpaid break time should normally be removed from worked hours. |
| Was the worker fully relieved? | DOL guidance treats bona fide meal periods differently from duty time. |
| Does state law add rules? | State meal and rest break rules can be more specific than federal law. |
| Was the shift overnight? | Overnight shifts need a next-day rule before subtraction is correct. |
Worked Examples
Standard shift
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. Subtract a 30-minute unpaid break and the worked total is 8 hours, or 8.00 decimal hours.
Overnight shift
10:00 PM to 6:00 AM crosses midnight. In overnight mode the gross shift is 8 hours. After a 45-minute unpaid break, the worked total is 7.25 decimal hours.
Freelance block
1:15 PM to 4:45 PM with no break is 3 hours 30 minutes. Decimal format turns that into 3.50 billable hours.
Official References
These references explain federal wage-and-hour concepts that often affect how breaks and hours worked are interpreted. This calculator does not replace payroll policy, state law, or legal advice.
Hours Calculator FAQ
How do I calculate hours worked?
Convert the start and end time into minutes, subtract the start from the end, then subtract unpaid break minutes. Convert the remaining minutes into hours and minutes or decimal hours.
How do I calculate an overnight shift?
If the shift ends after midnight, turn on overnight mode. The calculator treats the end time as the next day instead of assuming it happened before the start time.
Should short rest breaks be subtracted?
For U.S. wage rules, short rest breaks are generally treated differently from bona fide meal periods. Check the Department of Labor guidance and your state or employer policy before subtracting break time.
Why do payroll systems use decimal hours?
Decimal hours make multiplication easier. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes becomes 7.50 hours, which can be multiplied directly by an hourly rate.
Is this a legal payroll calculator?
No. This page is a time math tool. Payroll, overtime, break, rounding, and recordkeeping rules can depend on employer policy, state law, federal law, and worker classification.
About This Calculator
Calculate hours between times, subtract unpaid breaks, handle overnight shifts, and convert worked time into decimal hours for timesheets, payroll, and invoices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an hours calculator do?
An hours calculator shows the time between a start time and an end time, then optionally subtracts unpaid break minutes and converts the result into decimal hours.
How do I calculate hours worked?
Convert the start and end time into minutes, subtract the start from the end, then subtract unpaid break minutes. Convert the remaining minutes into hours and minutes or decimal hours.
How do I calculate an overnight shift?
Turn on overnight mode when the end time falls after midnight. The calculator then treats the end time as the next day before subtracting unpaid breaks.
Why are decimal hours useful?
Decimal hours are easier to multiply by an hourly rate and easier to enter into spreadsheets, invoices, and many payroll systems.
Is this a legal payroll calculator?
No. This is a time math tool. Payroll, overtime, break, rounding, and recordkeeping rules can depend on employer policy, state law, federal law, and worker classification.
The SuperCalc Editorial Team combines expertise in financial analysis, tax planning, and software engineering to build accurate, user-friendly calculators. Every tool is reviewed for mathematical correctness and real-world applicability.
- CFA & CPA-reviewed financial models
- 10+ years combined experience in fintech
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