Hours Calculator
Calculate the hours and minutes between two times, subtract breaks and work out pay for a shift.
How to calculate hours between two times
Convert both times to minutes after midnight, subtract the start from the end, and convert back to hours and minutes. If the end time is earlier than the start, the shift crosses midnight, so the calculator adds 24 hours.
8:30 AM to 5:15 PM is 8 hours 45 minutes. Subtract a 30-minute unpaid lunch and the paid time is 8 hours 15 minutes, or 8.25 decimal hours.
Converting minutes to decimal hours
Payroll systems use decimal hours. Divide minutes by 60:
| Minutes | Decimal | Minutes | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0.10 | 30 | 0.50 |
| 12 | 0.20 | 40 | 0.67 |
| 15 | 0.25 | 45 | 0.75 |
| 20 | 0.33 | 50 | 0.83 |
A common mistake is to write 8 hours 15 minutes as 8.15 hours. It is 8.25 hours; the difference adds up on a timesheet.
Overtime
Under the US Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees earn 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Some states, such as California, also require overtime after 8 hours in a single day. Add up your daily totals from this calculator to check a weekly timesheet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract unpaid breaks. Enter the times above and the calculator does it for you.
How do I handle a night shift that ends after midnight?
Just enter the times. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift crossed midnight.
How do I convert 7 hours 45 minutes to decimal?
Divide 45 by 60 to get 0.75, so 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours.
Last reviewed Oct 20, 2026. Results are estimates; check important decisions with a qualified professional.