Hours Calculator
Work out hours between a start and end time, minus breaks — with decimal hours for payroll and optional pay.
Reviewed by the WorldCalcs team · Methodology · Last reviewed: June 2026
Total time
7 h 30 m
- Decimal hours
- 7.50
- Total minutes
- 450
What is an hours calculator?
An hours calculator works out how much time passes between a start time and an end time — for example, the hours you worked in a shift. It is handy for timesheets, payroll, freelancing, and tracking study or project time. It also subtracts breaks and converts the result into the decimal hours that payroll systems use.
How it's calculated
Both times are converted to minutes since midnight. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator treats it as an overnight shift and adds 24 hours. It then subtracts any break minutes and converts what remains back into hours and minutes. Decimal hours come from dividing the total minutes by 60.
Example
From 09:00 to 17:00 with a 30-minute break is 8 hours of clock time minus half an hour of break = 7 h 30 m, or 7.5 decimal hours. An overnight shift from 22:00 to 06:00 with a 30-minute break spans 8 hours, minus the break = 7 h 30 m (7.5 hours). At an hourly rate of 20, that 7.5 hours pays 150.
All calculations happen in your browser. Nothing is sent, stored, or tracked.
Results are estimates and may contain errors — for general information only, not professional advice. Always verify before relying on them. Disclaimer
How to use
Enter your start and end times (24-hour HH:MM), plus any break in minutes. The calculator handles overnight shifts automatically and shows the result as hours and minutes, plus decimal hours.
Add an hourly rate to also see your pay for the shift.