Work Hours Calculator
Hours worked between two times, minus unpaid breaks — with payroll decimal hours and optional pay.
Quick answer
To find hours worked, subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract any unpaid break. Example: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM minus a 30-minute lunch = 7 hours 30 minutes (7.5 hours). For payroll, divide leftover minutes by 60 (30 min = 0.5).
Hours worked
7.5
decimal hours
In hours & minutes
7h 30m
after 30 min break
Add a rate for pay
—
optional
Tip: the page link updates as you type, so you can bookmark or share a specific result.
How to calculate hours between two times
1. Find the span. Subtract the start time from the end time. 9:00 to 17:00 is 8 hours.
2. Subtract unpaid breaks. Take off any unpaid lunch or break. 8 hours − 30 minutes = 7h 30m.
3. Convert to decimal for payroll. Divide minutes by 60. 7h 30m = 7 + 30/60 = 7.5 hours.
Overnight shifts: if the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift crosses midnight — add 24 hours first. 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM = 8 hours.
Minutes to decimal hours (payroll)
Time cards record hours and minutes, but payroll uses decimal hours. Divide minutes by 60:
| Minutes | Decimal hour |
|---|---|
| 5 min | 0.0833 |
| 6 min | 0.10 |
| 10 min | 0.1667 |
| 12 min | 0.20 |
| 15 min | 0.25 |
| 20 min | 0.3333 |
| 30 min | 0.50 |
| 40 min | 0.6667 |
| 45 min | 0.75 |
| 50 min | 0.8333 |
Common shifts, worked hours
| Shift | Unpaid break | Worked | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 30 min | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
| 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 60 min | 7h 0m | 7.00 |
| 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | 30 min | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
| 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 60 min | 8h 0m | 8.00 |
| 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM | 30 min | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
| 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM (overnight) | 30 min | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked with a lunch break?
Subtract the start time from the end time to get the total span, then subtract the unpaid break. For example, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM is 8 hours; minus a 30-minute unpaid lunch leaves 7 hours 30 minutes (7.5 hours).
How do you convert minutes to decimal hours for payroll?
Divide the minutes by 60. So 15 minutes = 0.25, 30 minutes = 0.5, and 45 minutes = 0.75. Payroll systems use decimal hours, so 7 hours 30 minutes is entered as 7.5.
How do I calculate hours for an overnight shift?
When the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift crosses midnight, so add 24 hours before subtracting. For example, 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is 8 hours. This calculator handles the rollover automatically.
Is a lunch break included in hours worked?
Unpaid breaks are not counted as hours worked. Paid breaks usually are. Enter only your unpaid break time so the total reflects payable hours.