How to calculate hours worked
- Subtract the start time from the end time for each day.
- Subtract unpaid breaks, such as a 30-minute lunch.
- Add the days together for the weekly total.
Example: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. Minus a 30-minute lunch, that is 8 hours. Five days gives 40 hours.
Minutes to decimal hours
Payroll usually uses decimal hours. Divide minutes by 60: 45 minutes is 0.75 hours, so 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours.
| Minutes | Decimal | Minutes | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 0.08 | 35 | 0.58 |
| 10 | 0.17 | 40 | 0.67 |
| 15 | 0.25 | 45 | 0.75 |
| 20 | 0.33 | 50 | 0.83 |
| 25 | 0.42 | 55 | 0.92 |
| 30 | 0.50 | 60 | 1.00 |
Overtime basics
Under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, non-exempt employees generally earn at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Some states add daily overtime or double time, and exempt salaried roles may not qualify. Check your state labor department or your employer's policy for the exact rules.
Want to see what your hours add up to over a year? Try the hourly to salary calculator.
Time Card Calculator FAQs
How do I calculate hours worked with a lunch break?
Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract the break. 8:00 to 4:30 is 8.5 hours; minus a 30-minute lunch is 8 hours.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 15 minutes = 0.25, 30 minutes = 0.5, 45 minutes = 0.75.
Does the calculator handle overnight shifts?
Yes. If the end time is earlier than the start time, it assumes the shift ended the next day.
Is my data saved?
No. The numbers stay in your browser and disappear when you close the page.