About the Work Hours Calculator
This work hours calculator turns a weekly time card into totals. Enter the clock-in and clock-out time for each day, subtract any unpaid break, and it adds up the hours worked per day and for the whole week — in both hours-and-minutes and decimal hours, which is what most payroll systems use.
It is built for hourly employees checking a paycheck, freelancers logging billable time, and managers or small-business owners approving timesheets. Shifts that cross midnight are handled automatically: if the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift is assumed to finish the next day.
Overtime is worked out on a weekly basis. By default, hours over 40 in the week are paid at 1.5× the hourly rate, which matches the US Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) rule for non-exempt employees. Some states, such as California, also require daily overtime, and some employers pay double time — adjust the threshold and multiplier to match your situation.
With the default inputs, the total hours worked is 40 hours. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the work hours calculator
- 1Enter the start and end time for each day you worked; leave days off blank.
- 2Add the unpaid break minutes for each day (lunch, unpaid rest).
- 3Enter your hourly rate and your overtime rule.
- 4Read total hours, overtime and weekly gross pay; use decimal hours for payroll.
Formula and method
Each day’s worked time is the span from start to end minus the unpaid break. If the end time is earlier than the start, 24 hours are added because the shift runs past midnight. Minutes are divided by 60 to give decimal hours (7 h 45 min = 7.75 hours).
The week’s hours are added up in order from Monday. Hours up to the weekly overtime threshold are regular; everything after it is overtime and is paid at the chosen multiplier. Gross pay is before taxes and deductions.
- Start / End
- Clock-in and clock-out times (24-hour clock)
- Break
- Unpaid break minutes deducted that day
- Threshold
- Weekly hours before overtime applies (40 under the FLSA)
- Multiplier
- Overtime premium, e.g. 1.5 for time and a half
Worked examples
Standard week: 9:00–17:30 with a 30-minute lunch
Each day spans 8.5 hours; subtracting a 30-minute unpaid lunch leaves 8 hours. Five days make exactly 40 hours, so there is no overtime and pay at $25/hour is $1,000.
Long week with overtime
Five 10-hour days with a 1-hour break give 9 hours a day, 45 hours in total. The first 40 hours earn $20 each ($800) and the 5 overtime hours earn $30 each ($150), for $950.
Three overnight shifts
A 22:00 to 06:30 shift crosses midnight, so it lasts 8.5 hours; minus the 30-minute break that is 8 hours. Three shifts total 24 hours, paid at $18 for $432.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked?+
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract unpaid breaks. For 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM with a 30-minute lunch: 8 h 30 min − 30 min = 8 hours. Add each day together for the weekly total.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours for payroll?+
Divide the minutes by 60. 15 minutes = 0.25, 30 minutes = 0.5, 45 minutes = 0.75, and 20 minutes ≈ 0.33 hours. So 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 decimal hours.
When does overtime start?+
Under the US Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees earn at least 1.5× their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Some states (e.g. California, Alaska, Nevada) also have daily overtime after 8 hours.
Are lunch breaks paid?+
Under federal law, bona fide meal periods of 30 minutes or more where you are relieved of duty are usually unpaid, while short rest breaks of 5–20 minutes are counted as paid work time.
How are overnight shifts counted?+
If you clock out at a time earlier than you clocked in, the calculator assumes the shift ended the next day and adds 24 hours, so 22:00 to 06:00 counts as 8 hours.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.