Work Hours Calculator

Use this work hours calculator to enter your start time, end time, and break duration, then get instant, accurate daily work hour totals. Combine with our timesheet calculator for weekly tracking or the payroll calculator for pay estimates.

Enter Your Work Times

Your Results

7.5 hrs
Total Work Hours
Start Time9:00 AM
End Time5:00 PM
Total Duration8h 0m
Break30 min
Net Work Hours7h 30m

What is a work hours calculator?

A work hours calculator computes your net daily work hours by subtracting break time from your total shift duration. It outputs results in both standard (hours:minutes) and decimal formats — ideal for payroll, invoicing, and timesheet submission.

The Work Hours Formula

Net Work Hours = End Time − Start Time − Unpaid Breaks

Example Calculation

Start: 9:00 AM, End: 5:00 PM, Break: 30 min → Gross = 8.0 hours → Net = 7.5 hours (7h 30m). At $20/hour that's $150/day. Use our time duration calculator for quick time-difference checks.

How to Use

Follow these simple steps

1

Enter Start Time

Select or type the time you began working.

2

Enter End Time

Select or type the time you finished working.

3

Add Break Duration

Enter total break time in minutes (lunch, short breaks, etc.).

4

Get Results

Click "Calculate Hours" to see your total work hours instantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to common questions

How do I calculate my total work hours?
Subtract your start time from your end time, then subtract your break duration. For example: 5:00 PM - 9:00 AM = 8 hours, minus 30 min break = 7.5 hours of work.
Does this calculator handle overnight shifts?
Yes! If your end time is earlier than your start time, the calculator assumes you worked through midnight and calculates accordingly.
How do I convert work hours to decimal?
Divide minutes by 60. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes = 7 + (30/60) = 7.5 decimal hours. Our calculator shows both formats.
What counts as a standard work day?
In most countries, a standard work day is 8 hours. In the US, a standard work week is 40 hours. However, this varies by country and employer.
Should I include paid breaks in work hours?
This depends on your employer's policy and local labor laws. Generally, short breaks (under 20 minutes) are paid, while meal breaks (30+ minutes) are unpaid.