How to use the Time Calculator
- Enter the start and end clock times.
- Enter any break that should not count toward the final duration.
- Read the net hours and minutes, decimal hours, and whether the span crossed midnight.
How the calculation works
Net minutes = end minutes − start minutes − break minutesClock times are converted to minutes after midnight. If the end is earlier than the start, 24 hours are added so the period crosses midnight. The break is then subtracted.
Example calculation
From 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. Subtracting a 30-minute break gives 8 hours, or 8.00 decimal hours.
How to interpret the result
Hours-and-minutes notation is best for schedules, while decimal hours are useful for multiplication by an hourly rate. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes equals 7.5 hours, not 7.30.
Notes and assumptions
- An end time earlier than the start time occurs on the following day.
- The maximum modeled span is 24 hours.
- The break cannot exceed the elapsed time.
Common questions
Time Calculator questions
How does the calculator handle a night shift?
If the end time is earlier than the start, the end is treated as occurring the next day.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide minutes by 60. For example, 45 minutes is 0.75 hour.
Can I subtract a lunch break?
Yes. Enter the break length in minutes and it is removed from the elapsed time.