Work Hours Calculator
Calculate hours worked between start and end times with break deductions.
Accurately tracking work hours is essential for payroll, freelance billing, and labour law compliance. This calculator computes total hours and minutes from start and end times, handles overnight shifts, and accounts for lunch breaks — giving you precise figures for timesheets and invoicing.
Your result will appear here...
How to Calculate Your Work Hours
- Enter your start time — the time you began working.
- Enter your end time — the time you finished working.
- Enter break duration — total break time to subtract (lunch, short breaks).
- Click Calculate — the tool shows your total worked hours with breaks deducted.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate total hours worked? ▼
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract any break time. For example: started at 9:00 AM, finished at 5:30 PM = 8.5 hours. Minus a 1-hour lunch break = 7.5 working hours. For overnight shifts, add 24 hours to the end time before calculating.
How many hours is a standard work week? ▼
In most countries, the standard full-time work week is 40 hours (8 hours per day, 5 days). The EU Working Time Directive sets a maximum of 48 hours. Some countries like France mandate 35 hours. Part-time is typically defined as fewer than 30–35 hours per week.
Should I count breaks as work hours? ▼
Generally, no. Unpaid lunch breaks (typically 30–60 minutes) are not counted. Short paid breaks (5–15 minutes) are usually included. Check your employment contract or local laws — some jurisdictions require paid rest breaks for shifts over a certain length.
How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours? ▼
Divide the minutes by 60. For example: 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45/60) = 7.75 decimal hours. This is essential for payroll, as most systems process time in decimal format. Quick reference: 15 min = 0.25, 30 min = 0.50, 45 min = 0.75.
When do overtime hours start? ▼
Under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, overtime begins after 40 hours in a workweek. California requires overtime after 8 hours in a single day. EU rules vary by country. Always check your local laws and employment contract for applicable thresholds.
Is my timesheet data stored? ▼
No. All calculations happen in your browser. No work hours or time data is sent to any server.