Hours
Calculate the time span between two clock times with optional break. Supports 12/24 hour formats, overnight shifts, and decimal hours for payroll.
Hours Between Two Times โ With Break Support
Calculate the exact time span between any two clock times. Supports 12/24 hour formats, overnight shifts, and decimal hours for payroll.
โฐ Quick Examples โ Click to Load
Time Format
Start Time
End Time
Break
Time Breakdown
Work vs Break
๐ Calculation Breakdown
For educational and informational purposes only. Verify with a qualified professional.
๐ Key Takeaways
- โข Overnight shifts are handled automatically โ 10 PM to 6 AM = 8 hours
- โข Decimal hours (e.g., 7.5) are standard for payroll and time tracking systems
- โข The Fair Labor Standards Act requires overtime pay (1.5ร) for hours over 40 per week in the US
- โข Many employers use 8-hour as the threshold for daily overtime in certain states
๐ก Did You Know?
๐ How Time Span Calculation Works
Calculating hours between two clock times involves converting both times to a common unit (minutes since midnight), then subtracting. Overnight shifts require adding 24 hours to the end time.
Same-Day Example: 9 AM to 5 PM
9 AM = 9ร60 = 540 min. 5 PM = 17ร60 = 1020 min. Duration = 1020 โ 540 = 480 min = 8 hours.
Overnight Example: 10 PM to 6 AM
10 PM = 22ร60 = 1320 min. 6 AM = 6ร60 = 360 min. Since 360 < 1320, we add 24 hours: 360 + 1440 = 1800. Duration = 1800 โ 1320 = 480 min = 8 hours.
Break Deduction
Net hours = Total hours โ (Break minutes รท 60). A 60-minute lunch in an 8-hour shift yields 7 net hours โ common for payroll calculations.
๐ฏ Expert Tips
๐ก Use Decimal for Payroll
Most payroll systems expect decimal hours (7.5 not 7:30). Our calculator outputs both โ use the decimal value for hourly pay calculations.
๐ก Split Shifts
For split shifts (e.g., 9โ1 and 5โ9), enter the break duration as the gap. 4 hours between shifts = 240 minutes break. Use our Work Hours Calculator for weekly totals.
๐ก Overtime Tracking
Overtime rules vary by state. California requires daily overtime after 8 hours; federal law uses weekly 40-hour threshold. Track both with our Time Card Calculator.
๐ก 24-Hour Format
Toggle 24-hour format for military time (e.g., 14:00 = 2 PM). Avoids AM/PM errors and is standard in healthcare, aviation, and international contexts.
โ๏ธ Why Use This Calculator vs. Other Tools?
| Feature | This Calculator | timeanddate.com | Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12/24 hour format | โ | โ | โ ๏ธ Error-prone |
| Overnight shift support | โ | โ | โ |
| Break deduction | โ | โ ๏ธ Limited | โ |
| Decimal hours output | โ | โ | โ |
| Overtime indicator | โ | โ | โ |
| Percent of day | โ | โ | โ |
| Interactive charts | โ | โ | โ |
| Copy & share results | โ | โ | โ |
| AI-powered analysis | โ | โ | โ |
โ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the calculator handle overnight shifts?
When the end time is earlier than the start time (e.g., 10 PM to 6 AM), we assume the end time is the next day. The calculator adds 24 hours to the end time before subtracting, giving you the correct overnight duration.
What are decimal hours and why are they used?
Decimal hours express time as a decimal (7.5 = 7 hours 30 minutes). Payroll systems, time clocks, and project management tools often use decimal hours because they're easier for calculations and spreadsheets.
How do I calculate a split shift?
Enter your start and end times for the full span. Set the break duration to the gap between your shifts. Example: 9 AMโ1 PM and 5 PMโ9 PM has a 4-hour (240 min) break. Net = 8 hours.
What is the difference between 12-hour and 24-hour format?
12-hour uses AM/PM (1โ12). 24-hour (military time) uses 0โ23. 2 PM = 14:00. Toggle the format to match your preference or workplace standard.
Does the overtime indicator mean I get overtime pay?
The indicator shows hours beyond 8 in a day. Overtime pay rules vary: federal FLSA uses 40 hours/week; some states (e.g., California) use daily overtime. Consult your employer or labor laws.
Can I use this for time tracking or timesheets?
Yes! The decimal hours output works with most time tracking software. Copy the results for your records. For weekly totals, use our Work Hours Calculator.
Why is my break reducing my net hours?
Unpaid breaks are typically excluded from paid work time. A 60-minute lunch in an 8-hour shift means you're paid for 7 hours. Paid breaks (e.g., 15-min rest) may not be deducted โ check your employer's policy.
What does "percent of day" mean?
It shows what fraction of a 24-hour day your shift represents. 8 hours = 33.3%. Useful for comparing part-time vs full-time or understanding how much of your day work consumes.
๐ Work Hours by the Numbers
๐ Official Data Sources
โ ๏ธ Disclaimer: This calculator provides time span calculations for informational purposes. Overtime rules vary by jurisdiction and employer. Not legal or payroll advice. Verify break and overtime policies with your employer or labor authority.
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