Hours Calculator
Hours worked = end time minus start time minus break. 9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break = 8 hours. Or add and subtract a list of hours and minutes.
Last updated: October 9, 2026
Calculate hours
Use 2:30, 1h 30m, 90m or 1.5. A leading minus subtracts.
Result
Estimates only. This calculator is for general information. It is not legal, payroll or tax advice. Your employer, payroll provider or a tax professional has the final say on how your hours and pay are figured.
How to calculate hours worked
- Write the start and end time. Use 24-hour time if it helps: 5:30 PM is 17:30.
- Subtract: 17:30 − 9:00 = 8:30 (8 hours 30 minutes).
- Subtract the unpaid break: 8:30 − 0:30 = 8:00.
- For decimal hours divide the minutes by 60: 8 hours 30 minutes = 8.5.
Hours worked = end time − start time − unpaid break
Example: adding a list of hours
7:45 + 8:30 + 6:15 = 22:30. Minus 0:45 for a long lunch is 21:45, which is 21.75 decimal hours. Try it in the “Add or subtract hours” mode above.
Need a full week with overtime?
The time card calculator handles a whole week or pay period, overtime and pay. To convert minutes to decimals, use the minutes to decimal chart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?
Subtract the start time from the end time and then subtract unpaid breaks. 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes; minus a 30-minute break it is 8 hours. If the shift runs past midnight, add 24 hours to the end time first.
How do I add hours and minutes?
Add the hours and the minutes separately, then carry every 60 minutes into one hour. 7:45 + 8:30 + 6:15: hours 7 + 8 + 6 = 21, minutes 45 + 30 + 15 = 90 = 1 hour 30 minutes, total 22:30.
How do I turn the result into decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 22 hours 30 minutes is 22 + 30 ÷ 60 = 22.5 hours. The calculator shows h:mm, decimal hours and total minutes.
Can I calculate hours across midnight?
Yes. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift ended the next day. 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is 8 hours.
What formats can I type in the list mode?
One duration per line: 2:30, 1h 30m, 90m, 45 min or decimal hours like 1.5. Start a line with a minus sign to subtract it, for example -0:45.
Is this for work hours only?
It works for any clock-time durations, but it is built for work hours and time cards. It does not do date differences or flight and engine hours.