What is an Hours Calculator?
An hours calculator figures out the total hours worked between a start time and end time, with the option to subtract a break. It handles overnight shifts correctly and gives you both the hours in decimal form and the equivalent hours and minutes.
How It Works
Example
You worked from 8:45 AM to 5:30 PM with a 45-minute lunch break.
- Raw minutes: 5:30 PM - 8:45 AM = 525 min
- Net: 525 - 45 = 480 min = 8.0 hours
Hours to Decimal Conversion Table
Payroll systems use decimal hours, not hours and minutes. Here are the common minute-to-decimal conversions:
| Minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|
| 5 min | 0.08 |
| 10 min | 0.17 |
| 15 min | 0.25 |
| 20 min | 0.33 |
| 30 min | 0.50 |
| 45 min | 0.75 |
| 50 min | 0.83 |
Formula: decimal hours = minutes ÷ 60. For example, 45 minutes = 45 ÷ 60 = 0.75 hours.
Calculating Pay From Hours Worked
Multiply decimal hours by your hourly rate. For overtime, hours above 40 per week are typically paid at 1.5× the regular rate under US federal law (FLSA).
Note: overtime rules vary by state. Some states (like California) require overtime for hours over 8 in a single day, not just 40 in a week. Check your state's labor laws for exact requirements.
Tips
- For overnight shifts, simply enter the times as-is. If end time is earlier than start time, the calculator automatically adds 24 hours to the calculation.
- To calculate pay, multiply the decimal hours by your hourly rate. 8.5 hours at $20/hr = $170.
- Decimal hours are what payroll systems use. 7 hours 30 minutes = 7.5 decimal hours, not 7.3.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the whole hours. 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45/60) = 7.75 decimal hours. This is the format used for payroll calculations and timesheets.
Does this work for overnight shifts?
Yes. If your end time is earlier than your start time, the calculator assumes the shift crossed midnight and adds 24 hours automatically. A shift from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM will correctly calculate as 8 hours.
How many hours is a full-time work week?
In the US, full-time is generally considered 40 hours per week. Employers are required to pay overtime (1.5x the regular rate) for hours worked beyond 40 in a single workweek under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
Are breaks counted as work time?
It depends on the type of break. Short rest breaks of 5-20 minutes are typically counted as paid work time in the US. Meal breaks of 30 minutes or more are generally unpaid and should be subtracted. Enter your unpaid break time in the break field.