Free Hours Calculator
Calculate hours and minutes worked between two times with break deduction. Shows decimal hours for easy timesheet entry.
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Hours Worked
8h 0m
Decimal
8.00
Total Minutes
480
Formula
Hours Worked = (End Time − Start Time) − Break MinutesHow to Calculate Hours Worked
This calculator takes a start time, end time, and break duration to compute your total hours worked. It shows the result in three formats: hours and minutes (7h 30m), decimal hours (7.50), and total minutes (450). Decimal hours are what most payroll systems require for timesheet entry.
The calculator handles overnight shifts automatically — if your end time is before your start time, it assumes you worked through midnight. Enter your unpaid break time (typically 30-60 minutes for a meal break) to get your actual billable or payable hours.
Decimal Hours Quick Reference
- :05 = 0.08 | :10 = 0.17 | :15 = 0.25
- :20 = 0.33 | :25 = 0.42 | :30 = 0.50
- :35 = 0.58 | :40 = 0.67 | :45 = 0.75
- :50 = 0.83 | :55 = 0.92
Common Work Schedule Calculations
Here are typical work schedules and their weekly hours:
- 9-to-5 with 30-min lunch: 7.5 hours/day × 5 = 37.5 hours/week
- 8-to-5 with 1-hour lunch: 8 hours/day × 5 = 40 hours/week
- 4×10 schedule: 10 hours/day × 4 = 40 hours/week with 3-day weekends
- 12-hour shifts: Common in healthcare and manufacturing, usually 3-4 shifts per week
Understanding Overtime Rules
In the US, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires employers to pay non-exempt employees 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Some states have additional rules — California, for example, requires daily overtime after 8 hours and double time after 12 hours.
Accurately tracking your hours ensures you're paid correctly. Use this calculator each day and record the decimal hours for your timesheet. Over a pay period, even small rounding errors can add up to significant amounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. For example, 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45/60) = 7.75 decimal hours. Common conversions: 15 min = 0.25, 30 min = 0.50, 45 min = 0.75. This calculator shows the decimal automatically.
How do I calculate hours worked for a timesheet?
Enter your start time, end time, and break duration. The calculator subtracts the break and shows both hours:minutes and decimal format. Most payroll systems use decimal hours (e.g., 8.50 instead of 8h 30m), so use the decimal value for your timesheet.
What if I work past midnight?
This calculator handles overnight shifts. If your end time is earlier than your start time (e.g., start 10:00 PM, end 6:00 AM), it assumes you crossed midnight and adds 24 hours to the calculation automatically.
How many hours is full-time work per week?
In the US, full-time is typically 40 hours per week (8 hours/day, 5 days). The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime pay (1.5x) for hours over 40 per week for non-exempt employees. Some states like California also require daily overtime after 8 hours.
Are paid breaks included in hours worked?
Short breaks (5-20 minutes) are generally considered paid work time under federal law. Meal breaks of 30+ minutes are typically unpaid if the employee is completely relieved of duties. Enter your unpaid break time in the break field to get accurate work hours.