How to calculate time worked
- Enter the start time and end time.
- Enter any unpaid break in minutes, or 0 if there was none.
- Click Calculate duration.
- Use the net hours and minutes, or decimal hours for payroll and timesheets.
How the duration is calculated
The calculator converts both times into minutes after midnight and subtracts them. If the end time is earlier than the start time, it assumes the period runs overnight into the next day: 22:00 to 06:15 is 8 hours 15 minutes. If the start and end are the same, it’s treated as a full 24 hours. A clear note tells you when the overnight rule was applied.
The break is then subtracted to give net time. Decimal hours convert minutes into fractions of an hour, so 7 hours 30 minutes becomes 7.50, the format most payroll systems and timesheets use. The tool checks that the break isn’t longer than the whole period. It doesn’t adjust for daylight-saving clock changes.
Common uses
- Filling in timesheets and calculating weekly hours.
- Working out night-shift lengths for nurses, security and factory staff.
- Billing clients for time spent on a task.
- Tracking study sessions, workouts or travel time.
Time duration FAQ
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 15 minutes is 0.25 hours, 30 is 0.5 and 45 is 0.75.
Can I add several shifts together?
Calculate each shift, then add the decimal hours together.
Does it use 12-hour or 24-hour time?
The time inputs follow your device settings, and calculations work the same either way.