How to use the hours worked calculator
- For each work period, enter the start and end time and the length of any unpaid break in minutes.
- Add a period for each shift, or for each part of a split shift.
- Optionally enter your hourly rate and an overtime threshold to estimate gross pay.
How the calculation works
Each period’s length is end time − start time. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift is assumed to cross midnight and 24 hours are added. The unpaid break is subtracted, and all periods are added together.
Decimal hours are total minutes ÷ 60. Pay is decimal hours × rate, with hours above the overtime threshold paid at the multiplier you enter.
Formula
Worked examples
Day shift 9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break
8 h 30 min − 30 min = 8 h 00 min (8.00 hours).
Night shift 22:00 to 06:00 with a 45-minute break
06:00 is earlier than 22:00, so the shift crosses midnight: (6:00 + 24:00) − 22:00 = 8 h. Minus 45 min = 7 h 15 min = 7.25 hours.
Overtime
44 hours at $20/h with overtime after 40 hours at 1.5×: 40 × 20 + 4 × 30 = $920.
Assumptions and limitations
- A single period cannot be 24 hours or longer; split very long shifts into two periods.
- Overtime is applied to the total of all periods entered. Overtime rules differ by country, state and employer (daily vs weekly thresholds, double time); check the rules that apply to you.
- Clock changes for daylight saving time during an overnight shift are not accounted for.
- Pay is gross, before taxes and deductions.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract unpaid breaks. Convert minutes to decimal hours by dividing by 60.
How do I calculate hours for an overnight shift?
Add 24 hours to the end time before subtracting. From 10 PM to 6 AM: (6 + 24) − 22 = 8 hours.
What is 7 hours and 45 minutes in decimal?
45 ÷ 60 = 0.75, so 7.75 hours. See the time to decimal calculator for more conversions.