Work Hours Calculator

Calculate your daily and weekly work hours instantly. Handles breaks, overnight shifts, and converts to decimal hours for timesheets and payroll.

Time Entry

Shift Times

Ends next day (e.g., 10pm - 6am)

minutes

Enter Your Shift Times

Enter your start time, end time, and break duration to calculate your work hours.

Track hours, send invoices, get paid. Invoice Mama makes billing as easy as entering your time.
Start invoicing free
Work Hours Calculator: Track Your Time, Get Paid Right

Whether you're clocking in for a shift or totalling your weekly hours, this free calculator makes it easy. Enter your times, subtract breaks, and get accurate results in both regular and decimal format - perfect for timesheets, payroll, and invoicing.

Tracking work hours shouldn't require mental gymnastics. Start time, end time, minus breaks - that's the formula. But when you're dealing with overnight shifts, different break lengths, and converting to decimal hours for payroll, things get complicated fast. This calculator handles all of it so you can focus on the work itself, not the math around it.

What This Work Hours Calculator Does

Everything you need for accurate time tracking

This isn't just a simple time difference calculator. It's built for real work situations - overnight shifts, multiple breaks, weekly timesheet totals, and automatic conversion to decimal hours for invoicing and payroll systems.

  • Daily HoursCalculate net working time for any single day, including overnight shifts that cross midnight.
  • Weekly TotalsAdd up your entire week's hours with per-day breakdown and daily averages.
  • Break DeductionSubtract lunch breaks and rest periods automatically to get accurate net working time.
  • Decimal ConversionSee hours in both HH:MM and decimal format - ready for any timesheet or invoice.

How to Use This Calculator

Get your results in seconds

  1. 1

    Choose Daily or Weekly Mode

    Use Daily for single shifts. Use Weekly to track your full work week and get totals.

  2. 2

    Enter Your Start Time

    When did your shift begin? Use the time picker or type directly. For example: 09:00 or 22:00 for a night shift.

  3. 3

    Enter Your End Time

    When did you finish? If your shift ends after midnight, enable 'Overnight Shift' to calculate correctly.

  4. 4

    Add Break Duration

    How long was your total unpaid break? Select a preset or enter minutes directly. Don't forget coffee breaks that add up!

  5. 5

    View Your Results

    Net working time appears instantly in hours:minutes and decimal hours. Copy results directly to your timesheet.

How Work Hours Are Calculated

The math behind your timesheet

Net Work Hours = (End Time − Start Time) − Break Duration

Example: You start at 9:00 AM and finish at 5:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch. That's 8 hours 30 minutes total, minus 30 minutes break = 8 hours net working time. In decimal: 8.0 hours. Simple, but easy to mess up when you're doing it in your head at the end of a long day.

Overnight Example: Start at 10:00 PM, end at 6:30 AM next day, with a 30-minute break. Total shift = 8 hours 30 minutes (crossing midnight), minus 30-minute break = 8 hours net. The calculator handles the date change automatically when overnight mode is enabled.

Converting to Decimal Hours

Why payroll and invoicing love decimal format

Decimal hours make multiplication easy. Instead of calculating 7 hours 45 minutes × $30/hour (which requires converting to minutes first), you just do 7.75 × 30 = $232.50. That's why most payroll systems, invoicing software, and timesheets use decimal format.

Hours : Minutes
Decimal Hours
How to Convert
0:150.2515 ÷ 60 = 0.25
0:300.5030 ÷ 60 = 0.50
0:450.7545 ÷ 60 = 0.75
1:001.0060 ÷ 60 = 1.00
4:304.5030 ÷ 60 = 0.50, add to 4
7:457.7545 ÷ 60 = 0.75, add to 7
8:208.3320 ÷ 60 = 0.33, add to 8

Common Mistakes When Calculating Hours

Don't let these trip you up

  • Forgetting to Subtract BreaksIf your lunch is unpaid, it doesn't count as work time. An 8-hour shift with an hour lunch is really 7 work hours.
  • Getting Overnight Shifts WrongIf you end after midnight, the calculator needs to know. Otherwise it looks like you worked negative hours.
  • Rounding Too EarlyCalculate exact time first, then apply your employer's rounding rules. Rounding each day before totalling causes drift.
  • Mixing Time FormatsStick to either 12-hour or 24-hour format. 9:00 AM is 09:00, but 9:00 PM is 21:00. Mixing them creates errors.
  • Ignoring Small BreaksTwo 15-minute breaks add up to 30 minutes. Over a week, that's 2.5 hours. Include all unpaid break time.
  • Manual Math ErrorsAdding 3 hours 45 minutes + 4 hours 30 minutes isn't 7:75. It's 8:15. Use a calculator to avoid these mistakes.

Tips for Faster Timesheets

Work smarter, not harder on admin

Tracking time is tedious, but it directly affects your pay. Here are some ways to make it less painful:

  • Record Times DailyDon't wait until Friday. Log your hours at the end of each day while it's fresh in your memory.
  • Use the Copy FunctionIf you work similar hours each day, use 'Copy Mon to All' to fill your week instantly.
  • Know Your Break RulesFigure out which breaks are paid vs unpaid once, then apply the same logic every time.
  • Keep Decimal Hours HandyMost invoicing software like Invoice Mama accepts decimal hours directly - no conversion needed.

From Hours Worked to Invoice Sent

The last step is getting paid

Calculating your hours is only half the job. If you're a freelancer or contractor, those hours need to become an invoice. And that invoice needs to look professional, be accurate, and go out quickly - before clients forget about the work you did. Invoice Mama turns your tracked hours into polished invoices in seconds. Just enter your time and rate, and you're ready to send.

  • Instant InvoicesOur AI creates professional invoices in 10 seconds. Describe the work, we handle the formatting.
  • Hourly Billing Built InEnter hours and hourly rate - the math happens automatically. No spreadsheet required.
  • Track EverythingSee which invoices are paid, pending, or overdue. Stop wondering who owes you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about calculating work hours

How do I calculate my work hours with breaks?

To calculate work hours with breaks, subtract your total break time from the time between your start and end. For example: if you start at 9:00 AM and finish at 5:30 PM, that's 8 hours and 30 minutes. Subtract a 30-minute lunch break and you get 8 hours of net work time. This calculator does the math automatically, just enter your times and break duration.

What are decimal hours and how do they work?

Decimal hours express time as a decimal number instead of hours and minutes. One hour equals 1.0, and minutes are converted as a fraction of 60. So 7 hours 30 minutes becomes 7.5 decimal hours (30 ÷ 60 = 0.5). Decimal hours are used in payroll systems, invoicing software, and timesheets because they make calculations easier. Instead of adding 2:30 + 3:45, you just add 2.5 + 3.75 = 6.25.

How do I calculate hours for an overnight shift?

Overnight shifts cross midnight, so the end time is technicaly on the next day. If you start at 10:00 PM and end at 6:30 AM, you've worked 8 hours and 30 minutes. Enable the 'Overnight Shift' toggle in our calculator to handle this automatically. Without it, the calculator might think your end time is earlier than your start, which would give incorrect results.

How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours?

Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. For 4 hours 45 minutes: 45 ÷ 60 = 0.75, so the result is 4.75 decimal hours. Common conversions: 15 min = 0.25, 30 min = 0.5, 45 min = 0.75. Our calculator shows both formats automatically so you can use whichever your timesheet or invoice needs.

Should unpaid breaks be included in my work hours?

No, unpaid breaks should be subtracted from your total time at work. If you're on-site from 9 AM to 6 PM but take an hour for lunch, your work hours are 8 hours, not 9. Paid breaks (like short 10-minute rest periods) typically count as work time and shouldn't be subtracted. Check your employment contract if you're unsure which breaks are paid.

What if I take multiple breaks during my shift?

Add all your unpaid break time together and enter the total. If you take a 15-minute morning break, 45-minute lunch, and 15-minute afternoon break, that's 75 minutes total. Enter 75 in the break field. The calculator will subtract this from your shift duration to give you net work hours.

How do I total my weekly hours quickly?

Use the Weekly Total tab in our calculator. Enter your start time, end time, and break for each day. Click 'Copy Mon to All' if you work the same hours every day to save time. The calculator adds everything up and shows your weekly total in both hours:minutes and decimal format. Perfect for filling out timesheets or tracking hours for invoicing.

How do I calculate overtime hours?

First, calculate your total weekly hours using this calculator. Then compare against your standard hours (typically 40 hours in the US, 37.5-40 in the UK). Anything over is overtime. For example, if your weekly total is 47.5 hours and standard is 40, you have 7.5 overtime hours. Overtime rules vary by country and employment type, so check local regulations.

How accurate are online work hours calculators?

Very accurate for basic calculations - the math is straightforward. Where errors happen is in the inputs: forgetting to account for unpaid breaks, entering times incorrectly, or not enabling overnight mode for night shifts. Always double-check your entries. Our calculator shows the formula used so you can verify the result yourself.

What is the best way to track time for invoices and payroll?

For freelancers and small businesses, track time daily and convert to decimal hours for cleaner invoices. Tools like Invoice Mama let you create invoices directly from your hours worked - just enter your time and rate, and the total is calculated automatically. For employees, use your company's timesheet system and verify totals weekly before submitting.

How do I handle different break lengths on different days?

In the Weekly Total view, each day has its own break field. Enter the actual break duration for each specific day. Monday might be 30 minutes, but Friday could be 60 if you have a longer lunch. The calculator tracks each day separately and gives you accurate daily and weekly totals.

Why does my timesheet need decimal hours instead of regular time?

Payroll and invoicing systems prefer decimal hours because they multiply easily. Calculating pay for 7.75 hours at $25/hour is simple: 7.75 × 25 = $193.75. Try that with 7 hours 45 minutes and you need extra conversion steps. Decimal hours also make weekly totals straightforward to add up without carrying over minutes.

Can I use this calculator for shift work schedules?

Absolutely. Enter your shift start and end times, toggle overnight mode if needed, and add your break. Works for day shifts, night shifts, rotating schedules, and split shifts. For split shifts, calculate each part separately and add the results. The weekly view is great for tracking irregular schedules across the week.

How do rounding rules affect my timesheet calculations?

Many employers round time to the nearest 15 minutes or 6 minutes (0.1 hours). If your shift is 8 hours 7 minutes, it might be recorded as 8 hours or 8.25 hours depending on policy. Our calculator shows exact time - check your employer's rounding rules before submitting timesheets. Over a week, rounding can add up to significant differences.

What is a Working Hours Calculator and why do I need one?

A Working Hours Calculator is a tool that computes how many hours you've worked based on start time, end time, and breaks. You need a Working Hours Calculator because manual calculations are error-prone, especially with overnight shifts or decimal hour conversions. This Working Hours Calculator handles all the math instantly and shows results in both standard time and decimal format for timesheets.

Is this Working Hours Calculator accurate for payroll?

Yes, this Working Hours Calculator provides accurate calculations suitable for payroll and invoicing. It correctly handles overnight shifts, deducts break time, and converts to decimal hours that payroll systems require. However, always verify that your employer's rounding rules match - some companies round to the nearest 15 minutes. The Working Hours Calculator shows exact time, so apply any rounding before submitting.

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us and mama will help you out!

Working Hours Calculator for Every Situation

From simple shifts to complex schedules

A good Working Hours Calculator needs to handle more than just 9-to-5 jobs. Real work schedules are messy - split shifts, variable breaks, overnight work, and different hours each day. This Working Hours Calculator was built with that reality in mind.

  • Standard Day ShiftsThe most common use for a Working Hours Calculator. Enter start time, end time, subtract your lunch break, and get accurate net hours.
  • Night and Overnight ShiftsShifts that cross midnight confuse simple calculators. This Working Hours Calculator handles overnight work correctly every time.
  • Variable SchedulesDifferent hours each day? The weekly view in this Working Hours Calculator tracks everything and gives you accurate totals.
  • Multiple Break PeriodsAdd up all your unpaid breaks and the Working Hours Calculator subtracts them from your total automatically.

Benefits of an Online Working Hours Calculator

Why digital beats manual every time

You could calculate your hours with pen and paper, but an online Working Hours Calculator offers significant advantages. It's faster, more accurate, and available whenever you need it.

Feature
Manual Calculation
Working Hours Calculator
SpeedSeveral minutesInstant results
AccuracyProne to errors100% accurate math
Overnight shiftsConfusing to calculateHandled automatically
Decimal conversionRequires extra stepsShown automatically
Weekly totalsTedious additionCalculated instantly
AvailabilityNeed paper/spreadsheetAlways accessible online

An online Working Hours Calculator like this one saves time and eliminates errors. Use it every time you need to track hours - for timesheets, invoices, or just to know how long you actually worked.

Free Working Hours Calculator - No Sign Up Required

Use it right now, no strings attached

This Working Hours Calculator is completely free to use. No account required, no email signup, no limits on calculations. Just open the page and start calculating. We built this free Working Hours Calculator because accurate time tracking shouldn't cost money. Whether you use it once or every day, it's here when you need it.

  • Completely FreeThis Working Hours Calculator costs nothing to use. Calculate as many times as you need.
  • No RegistrationUse the Working Hours Calculator instantly. No account, no email, no signup forms.
  • Privacy FocusedYour time entries stay in your browser. This Working Hours Calculator doesn't store your data.

More Free Calculators

Tools to help you run your business smarter

This work hours calculator is one of several free tools from Invoice Mama designed to help freelancers and small businesses work more efficently. Explore our other calculators:

Track Time. Get Paid. Keep It Simple.

Accurate hours mean accurate pay

Every hour you work deserves to be counted and compensated. Whether you're filling out a timesheet, billing a client, or just making sure you're not working for free, accurate time tracking matters. Use this calculator whenever you need quick, reliable results - and spend less time on math, more time on work that actually pays.

Freelancers: Turn Your Hours Into Professional Invoices

You tracked the hours—now get paid for them. Invoice Mama creates professional invoices in seconds with AI. Just enter your time and rate, and send polished invoices that get you paid faster.

No credit card required100% free to start