Skip to main content
OS Authority

Calculate hours between two times

Work out how long a shift, class or trip lasts, subtract an unpaid break, and get the total in hours and minutes and in decimal hours for payroll.

Calculations run on this device. We don't see, store or log the numbers or dates you enter.

How it works

  1. Enter the start time and the end time.
  2. Enter an unpaid break in minutes, if any.
  3. Read the hours and decimal hours below, or tap Copy.

Decimal hours for timesheets

Payroll usually needs decimal hours: 7 hours 30 minutes is 7.5 hours, 15 minutes is 0.25 and 45 minutes is 0.75. To convert, divide the minutes by 60. A shift from 09:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break is 8 hours, or 8.00 decimal hours.

Night shifts

If the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift ends the next day: 22:00 to 06:15 is 8 hours 15 minutes (8.25 hours). Shifts longer than 24 hours need a date-based calculation.

Paid hours and overtime

Weekly overtime often starts after 40 hours (for example 5 shifts of 8 hours); in some countries after 45 or 48. Add up the decimal hours for each day to compare with your contract.

Frequently asked questions

How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?

Divide the minutes by 60: 20 minutes = 0.33 hours, 40 minutes = 0.67 hours.

Can I use a 12-hour clock?

Yes. The time fields follow your device's settings, showing AM/PM where that is the norm.

What if the break is longer than the shift?

The calculator shows a message instead of a negative number.

Related tools