How to use the hours calculator
Enter the time a shift starts and ends, plus any unpaid break in minutes. The calculator shows the hours worked in hours-and-minutes and in decimal form, which is what most payroll systems need. If the end time is earlier than the start time, it is treated as an overnight shift that crosses midnight. Enter the number of identical shifts to get a weekly or monthly total, and add an hourly rate to estimate pay.
Converting minutes to decimal hours
Timesheets often need decimal hours, but clocks show hours and minutes. To convert, divide the minutes by 60:
| Minutes | Decimal | Minutes | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 0.10 | 30 | 0.50 |
| 15 | 0.25 | 45 | 0.75 |
| 20 | 0.33 | 50 | 0.83 |
So 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours, not 7.45. Mixing these up is one of the most common payroll errors.
Breaks and overtime
Many employers do not pay for meal breaks, so they are subtracted from the shift length. Short rest breaks are often paid, in which case leave them out. Overtime rules differ: in the United States, non-exempt employees generally earn 1.5 times their rate for hours above 40 in a work week, while other countries use daily limits or collective agreements. When the weekly total exceeds 40 hours the calculator highlights the extra hours so you can check your entitlement.
Tips for accurate timesheets
- Record start and end times every day rather than reconstructing them later.
- Use the 24-hour clock to avoid AM/PM confusion on night shifts.
- Keep a copy of submitted timesheets in case of pay disputes.
- Round consistently according to your employer's policy.
Worked example
A shift from 9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute unpaid lunch is 8 hours 30 minutes minus 30 minutes, which equals 8.00 hours. Five such shifts make a 40-hour week; at $22 per hour that is $176 per day and $880 for the week before tax. A night shift from 22:00 to 06:00 with a 45-minute break gives 7.25 hours, because the calculator automatically carries the time past midnight.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract unpaid breaks. Convert leftover minutes to decimals by dividing by 60.
Does it work for night shifts?
Yes. If the end time is before the start time, the calculator assumes the shift crosses midnight.
What is 8 hours 30 minutes in decimal?
8.5 hours. Thirty minutes is half an hour.
Does it calculate overtime pay?
It shows hours over 40 when you enter several shifts. Overtime pay rates depend on your local law and contract.
Last reviewed 2026-10-27. This hours calculator is provided for general information; verify important decisions with a qualified professional.