Hours Calculator
Calculate total hours between two clock times, with optional breaks subtracted. Useful for timesheets, billable hours and shift planning.
How to use the Hours Calculator
- Enter your inputs into the Hours Calculator above.
- Results update instantly as you type — no submit button needed.
- Adjust any value to see how the result changes in real time.
The hours calculation
Hours = (End time − Start time) − Breaks
Both times are converted to minutes since midnight, subtracted, and divided by 60. Cross-midnight shifts add 24 hours to the end time before subtracting. Breaks are subtracted separately.
Worked example
9:00 AM to 5:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch break: 8.5 − 0.5 = 8 hours. 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM with a 45-minute break (overnight shift): 8 − 0.75 = 7.25 hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I handle overtime?
Compute regular hours up to 40/week (or 8/day in some jurisdictions), then anything above is overtime. The calculator gives total hours; categorizing them is policy-dependent.
Does this round to nearest 15 minutes?
Some employer timekeeping systems round to the nearest 6, 10 or 15 minutes. The calculator reports exact hours; check your employer's policy for rounding rules.
What is the FLSA standard for breaks?
Federal law doesn't mandate breaks but says if you offer short breaks under 20 minutes, they're paid. Meal breaks of 30+ minutes can be unpaid if employees are fully relieved of duties.