How it’s calculated
Times are converted to minutes, added or subtracted, then converted back. For start/end times, if the end is earlier than the start we assume the period runs past midnight. Decimal hours divide minutes by 60, which is what most payroll systems need.
Example: 9:00 to 17:30 is 8 h 30 min; minus a 30-minute unpaid break leaves 8 h 0 min = 8.00 decimal hours. 7 h 45 min is 7 + 45 ÷ 60 = 7.75 decimal hours.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide by 60. 15 min = 0.25 h, 30 min = 0.5 h, 45 min = 0.75 h, 20 min ≈ 0.33 h.
How do I handle night shifts?
Enter the start and end on the 24-hour clock. If the end time is earlier than the start (e.g. 22:00 to 06:00), the calculator adds 24 hours: 8 h.
Do breaks count as hours worked?
Under U.S. federal rules short rest breaks (typically 5–20 minutes) are generally paid work time, while bona fide meal periods (usually 30 minutes or more) when you are fully relieved of duty need not be. Check your local law and contract.
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Sources
- Fact Sheet #21: Recordkeeping Requirements under the FLSA — U.S. Department of Labor
- Time and Frequency Division — U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology
Formulas are taken from the free public references above. Results are provided “as is” for informational and educational purposes only. See our disclaimer.
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