Method
How the hours calculator works
Both clock times are converted to minutes after midnight and subtracted. When the end time is earlier than the start time, the end is treated as the next day, so an overnight shift is measured correctly. The unpaid break is then removed, and decimal hours are the remaining minutes divided by 60, rounded to two places.
Shifts on a 24-hour schedule can be read with the military time converter first. To total a whole week of shifts, use the time card calculator; to add separate durations together, use the add time calculator. Other clock and time-zone tools are in the time calculators collection.
Reference
Minutes to decimal hours
Timesheets and payroll systems usually want hours as a decimal. Divide minutes by 60; the common values, rounded to two places, are below.
| Minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|
| 5 min | 0.08 |
| 6 min | 0.10 |
| 10 min | 0.17 |
| 12 min | 0.20 |
| 15 min | 0.25 |
| 20 min | 0.33 |
| 25 min | 0.42 |
| 30 min | 0.50 |
| 35 min | 0.58 |
| 40 min | 0.67 |
| 45 min | 0.75 |
| 50 min | 0.83 |
| 55 min | 0.92 |
Example
Hours calculator example
8:45 AM to 5:15 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. Removing a 30-minute unpaid break leaves 8 hours, or 8.00 decimal hours. A 10:00 PM to 6:15 AM night shift is 8 hours 15 minutes before any break.
FAQ
Hours calculator FAQ
How do I calculate hours between two times?
Convert each time to minutes after midnight, subtract the start from the end, and add 24 hours (1,440 minutes) if the result is negative because the shift ran past midnight. Divide the minutes by 60 for decimal hours.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 15 minutes is 0.25 hours, 30 minutes is 0.5 hours and 45 minutes is 0.75 hours, so 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 decimal hours.
Does it handle a shift that ends after midnight?
Yes. An end time earlier than the start time is counted as finishing the next day. A start and end at the same time is treated as zero hours, not 24.
Should I subtract my break?
Subtract breaks that are unpaid. Paid breaks are already part of the time you are paid for, so leave the break at zero. Which breaks are paid depends on your employer and local rules.
How do I add up a whole week?
Use the time card calculator. It takes a start, end and break for each day, totals the week, and splits regular and overtime hours at a threshold you choose.