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About This Calculator
This calculator converts between hours, minutes, and decimal hours, which is essential for accurate payroll and billing where time must be expressed as decimal fractions. It also adds multiple time entries together for shift totaling and workweek summation. Freelancers and employers alike need reliable hours-to-decimal conversion because billing systems and accounting software typically require decimal hour format.
Quick Tips
- 1 Subtract start from end time, then deduct unpaid breaks for work hours.
- 2 Convert minutes to decimals for payroll: 45 minutes = 0.75 hours.
- 3 Overtime typically kicks in after 40 hours per week in the US.
Example Calculation
Employee worked 8:15 AM to 5:45 PM with 45-minute lunch break.
Gross: 9 hours 30 minutes | Net work hours: 8 hours 45 minutes (8.75 hrs)
How Work Hours Are Calculated
Work hours are computed by finding the difference between your end time and start time, then subtracting any break periods. The result is expressed in both hours-and-minutes and decimal hours for payroll compatibility.
Decimal Hours for Payroll
Most payroll systems require decimal hours. For example, 8 hours and 15 minutes equals 8.25 decimal hours. This calculator converts automatically so you can enter your timesheet accurately without manual math.
Break Time Requirements
Federal law does not mandate meal or rest breaks, but most states require a 30-minute unpaid meal break for shifts over 5 or 6 hours. Some states also require paid 10-minute rest breaks. Always deduct unpaid breaks from your total hours.
Overtime Considerations
Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees earn 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 per week. Some states require daily overtime for shifts over 8 hours. Track your daily hours carefully to ensure proper overtime pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
In 24-hour format, hours range from 0 (midnight) to 23 (11 PM). For example, 1 PM is 13, 5:30 PM is hour 17 with 30 minutes, and 9 AM is simply 9.
If your end hour is smaller than your start hour, the calculator assumes you worked through midnight. For example, start at 22 (10 PM) and end at 6 (6 AM) gives 8 hours.
The break time you enter is subtracted from the total. If your break is paid, enter 0 for break minutes to include that time in your total hours worked.
Calculate each day separately and add the results. If you work the same schedule daily, multiply one day result by the number of days worked.