How to use the Hours Calculator (Time Between Two Times)
- Enter the start hour, minutes and AM or PM.
- Enter the end hour, minutes and AM or PM.
- Enter the length of the unpaid break in minutes.
- Read the time worked and the decimal hours to enter in your timesheet.
Formula used
Time = end − start − break. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the period crosses midnight and adds 24 hours. Decimal hours = minutes ÷ 60.
Worked example
Here is the Hours Calculator (Time Between Two Times) worked through with the example values shown above, so you can check each step by hand.
| Inputs | |
|---|---|
| Start hour | 9 |
| Start minute | 0 |
| Start AM or PM | AM |
| End hour | 5 |
| End minute | 30 |
| End AM or PM | PM |
| Unpaid break | 30 minutes |
| Result | |
| Time worked | 8 hours 0 minutes |
| Decimal hours | 8 |
| Total minutes | 480 |
How the time is calculated
The calculator converts both times to minutes since midnight, subtracts, then removes the break. From 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes; with a 30-minute break that is 8 hours 0 minutes, or 8 decimal hours.
With no break the same shift is 8 hours 30 minutes, and with a 60-minute break it is 7 hours 30 minutes.
Shifts that cross midnight
If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift ends the next day. A night shift from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM with no break is 8 hours 0 minutes. Midnight is 12:00 AM and noon is 12:00 PM, so from 12:00 AM to 12:00 PM is 12 hours 0 minutes.
A shift that lasts 24 hours or more cannot be shown here, because the calculator assumes the end time is within one day of the start.
Decimal hours for payroll
Payroll systems usually want hours as decimals, not hours and minutes. To convert minutes, divide by 60: 15 minutes is 0.25 hours, 30 minutes is 0.5, 45 minutes is 0.75, and 10 minutes is 0.17 when rounded to two decimals.
So 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours. Multiply the decimal hours by the hourly rate to get gross pay: 8 hours at $25 is $200.00. Check how your employer rounds time before you rely on the result.
Tips for timesheets
Record start and end times as they happen, not from memory at the end of the week. Be consistent about whether breaks are paid, because rules differ by employer and by location; some places require paid or unpaid breaks after a certain length of shift. If you are unsure, ask your employer or check the local labour rules.
For several days, add up the decimal hours of each day. Adding hours and minutes by hand often causes errors, such as treating 1:45 plus 1:30 as 2:75.
Rounding, breaks and common payroll practice
Some employers round time to the nearest quarter hour or use a “7-minute rule”, where time up to 7 minutes is rounded down and 8 or more is rounded up to the next quarter hour. Rules about rounding and paid breaks differ by employer and by place, so check your contract or local labour guidance. This calculator shows exact time and leaves rounding to you.
Minutes to decimal hours, for reference: 5 minutes is 0.08, 10 is 0.17, 15 is 0.25, 20 is 0.33, 30 is 0.5, 40 is 0.67, 45 is 0.75, 50 is 0.83 and 55 is 0.92. Keep a record of your start and end times in case of disputes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 30 minutes is 0.5 hours and 45 minutes is 0.75 hours.
What about overnight shifts?
If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift runs past midnight.
How do I enter midnight and noon?
Midnight is 12:00 AM and noon is 12:00 PM.
Does it include the break?
The break you enter is subtracted from the total. Enter 0 if breaks are paid.
Can I add several days?
Calculate each day and add the decimal hours. Adding decimals avoids errors with minutes.
Does this account for overtime?
No. It only gives the time worked. Overtime rules differ by employer and place.
What is the 7-minute rule?
A rounding practice used by some employers: time up to 7 minutes is rounded down to the previous quarter hour and 8 minutes or more is rounded up. Check whether your employer uses it.
This calculator gives estimates for information only. Actual figures from a bank, employer, tax authority or doctor may differ. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice.