⏰ WORK & PAY

Hours Calculator

Calculate the exact hours and minutes between two times. Perfect for time tracking, scheduling, and shift planning.

Start & End Time

Start Time

End Time

Break Time (optional)

Break Duration

min

Overnight Shift?

Total Time

0 hours 0 minutes

How to Use the Hours Calculator

This tool calculates the exact duration between two times. It works for regular shifts, overnight shifts, and lets you subtract break time.

Enter the start time Select or type the time you began working or the period started.

Enter the end time Select the time the shift or period ended.

Add break time (optional) Enter unpaid break minutes if you want them subtracted from the total.

Choose overnight option Select “Yes” if the shift crosses midnight, or leave on Auto Detect.

Get your result Click the button to see total hours and minutes, plus the decimal equivalent.

Common Uses for the Hours Calculator

Shift Tracking Calculate daily or weekly hours for hourly employees.

Payroll Preparation Convert start and end times into total paid hours.

Scheduling Quickly see how long a meeting, shift, or task will last.

Freelance / Client Work Track billable hours between start and end times.

Tips for Accurate Time Tracking

Small details matter when calculating hours for payroll or billing:

Always use the same time format (or rely on the browser’s time picker).
Record unpaid breaks separately so they can be subtracted correctly.
For overnight shifts, make sure the “Overnight” option is set correctly.
Round according to your company policy (some round to the nearest 15 minutes).

How the Calculation Works

The calculator converts both times into minutes past midnight, finds the difference, handles overnight cases by adding 24 hours when needed, then subtracts any break time. The result is shown in hours + minutes and as a decimal.

Simple Formula Total Minutes = (End Time − Start Time) − Break Minutes
(If overnight: add 24 hours before subtracting)

Hours Calculator FAQ

How do I calculate hours for an overnight shift?

Select “Yes (crosses midnight)” or leave it on Auto Detect. The calculator will correctly add the hours that go past midnight.

Can I subtract a lunch break?

Yes. Enter the break duration in minutes. The tool will subtract it from the total time.

What is the decimal hours format?

Decimal hours convert minutes into a fraction of an hour (for example 7 hours 30 minutes = 7.5 hours). Many payroll systems prefer this format.

Does this work for multiple days?

This calculator is designed for a single start and end time (including overnight). For multi-day totals, calculate each day separately and add the results.

Is the result suitable for payroll?

Yes — the tool gives both hours:minutes and decimal hours, which cover most payroll and time-tracking needs. Always follow your company or local labor rules for rounding.