Hours Worked Calculator
Calculate total hours worked per day or week from start time, end time, and breaks. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Net Hours = (End Time - Start Time) - Break Duration | Gross Pay = Net Hours × Hourly Rate
The calculator converts start and end times to minutes, subtracts the start from the end (adding 24 hours if the shift crosses midnight), then deducts break time. The resulting net minutes are converted to decimal hours for pay calculation. Gross pay is simply the net decimal hours multiplied by the hourly rate.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard Office Day
Problem: Calculate hours and pay for 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with a 30-minute lunch break at $22/hr.
Solution: Total time: 5:00 PM - 9:00 AM = 8.0 hours\nBreak: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours\nNet hours: 8.0 - 0.5 = 7.5 hours\nGross pay: 7.5 × $22 = $165.00
Result: 7.5 net hours | $165.00 gross pay
Example 2: Overnight Shift
Problem: Calculate hours for 11:00 PM to 7:30 AM with a 15-minute break at $18/hr.
Solution: Total time: 7:30 AM - 11:00 PM (next day)\n= (24:00 - 23:00) + 7:30 = 8 hours 30 minutes = 8.5 hours\nBreak: 15 minutes = 0.25 hours\nNet hours: 8.5 - 0.25 = 8.25 hours\nGross pay: 8.25 × $18 = $148.50
Result: 8.25 net hours | $148.50 gross pay
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours?
To convert time to decimal hours, divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. For example, 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45/60) = 7 + 0.75 = 7.75 decimal hours. Common conversions: 15 min = 0.25 hrs, 30 min = 0.50 hrs, 45 min = 0.75 hrs. This is important because payroll systems typically use decimal hours. To reverse: multiply the decimal part by 60 to get minutes (e.g., 0.75 × 60 = 45 minutes).
How are hours calculated for overnight shifts?
When the end time is earlier than the start time (e.g., start 10:00 PM, end 6:00 AM), Hours Worked Calculator automatically adds 24 hours to account for the midnight crossing. So 22:00 to 06:00 correctly calculates as 8 hours, not negative 16 hours. This handles common overnight shifts like night security (11 PM - 7 AM = 8 hours), hospital night shifts (7 PM - 7 AM = 12 hours), or late restaurant closing (6 PM - 2 AM = 8 hours).
Should I include paid breaks in my hours worked?
Enter only UNPAID break time in the break duration field. Paid breaks (like short 10-15 minute rest breaks, which are compensable under FLSA) should not be deducted since you're paid for that time. Typically, meal breaks of 30+ minutes are unpaid and should be entered. If your break is paid, enter 0 for break minutes. Check your employment agreement or company policy if unsure which breaks are paid.
How do I calculate gross pay vs net pay from hours worked?
Gross pay is your total earnings before any deductions: Hours Worked × Hourly Rate. Net pay (take-home pay) is what remains after deducting taxes, insurance, retirement contributions, and other withholdings. Hours Worked Calculator shows gross pay only. To estimate net pay, typical deductions include: federal income tax (10-37%), state income tax (0-13%), Social Security (6.2%), Medicare (1.45%), and any voluntary deductions. A common estimate is that net pay is roughly 70-80% of gross pay.
What formula does Hours Worked Calculator use?
The formula used is described in the Formula section on this page. It is based on widely accepted standards in the relevant field. If you need a specific reference or citation, the References section provides links to authoritative sources.
How do I interpret the result?
Results are displayed with a label and unit to help you understand the output. Many calculators include a short explanation or classification below the result (for example, a BMI category or risk level). Refer to the worked examples section on this page for real-world context.