Hours Calculator
Calculate the total hours worked between a start time and end time, minus any break.
Using this for payroll and timesheets
This calculation is the same one used for hourly payroll timesheets — total time worked minus any unpaid break time. For multi-day payroll totals, calculate each day separately using this method, then sum the daily totals for a weekly or pay-period total.
Some workplaces have specific rules about paid vs. unpaid breaks (like a 15-minute paid break not being subtracted, while a 30-minute unpaid lunch is) — check your specific employer's policy when calculating exact payroll hours.
A worked example
A shift from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch break: raw time span is 8.5 hours (510 minutes), minus the 30-minute break, giving 8 hours worked (480 minutes).
For an overnight shift from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM with a 20-minute break: the calculator handles the midnight crossover automatically, giving 8 hours total minus the break, for 7 hours 40 minutes worked.
Calculating hours for payroll and timesheets
Accurately tracking work hours matters for payroll accuracy, especially when unpaid breaks need to be subtracted from the total, or when overtime calculations depend on precisely knowing hours worked in a week.
For hourly employees, small rounding or calculation errors across a pay period can add up — using a precise calculation method rather than mental math or rough estimates helps avoid payroll discrepancies.
Frequently asked questions
What if the end time is past midnight?
This calculator assumes the end time is on the same day and later than the start time — for overnight shifts, add 24 hours to the end time mentally or split into two calculations.
Should paid breaks be subtracted from total hours?
Generally no — only unpaid break time (like an unpaid lunch) should be subtracted. Paid breaks are typically still counted as worked hours, though policies vary by employer.
How do I calculate total hours for a full work week?
Calculate each day separately using this method, then add up all the daily totals to get your weekly total hours.
Should unpaid breaks be subtracted from total hours?
Yes, for accurate payroll purposes — unpaid break time is generally not counted as worked hours and should be subtracted from the gross time span.