How to Calculate Hours Between Two Times
The hours calculator finds the exact duration between any two times on the same day or across midnight. Enter your start time and end time and the tool instantly shows the total hours and minutes elapsed. This is useful for calculating work shift lengths, tracking billable hours, figuring out overtime, or measuring how long any task took.
To use the calculator, enter your start time (for example, 09:00) and your end time (for example, 17:30). The result shows the total duration — in this case, 8 hours 30 minutes. You can enter times in 12-hour or 24-hour format.
Common Uses for the Hours Calculator
Work shifts — calculate how many hours you worked in a shift, including overnight shifts that cross midnight.
Billable hours — freelancers and contractors can quickly total up hours worked across multiple time entries.
Overtime calculation — if your standard day is 8 hours, anything over that threshold is overtime. Use the calculator to confirm exact hours before submitting a timesheet.
Break deductions — enter your start and end times, then subtract your break duration from the total to get your net working hours.
Payroll — convert hours and minutes into a decimal (for example, 7 hours 45 minutes = 7.75 hours) for accurate pay calculations. Multiply by your hourly rate to get earnings for any shift.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate hours between two times?
Enter your start time and end time in the fields above and click Calculate. The result shows the total hours and minutes between the two times.
Can it calculate hours that cross midnight?
Yes. If your end time is earlier than your start time, the calculator automatically assumes the end time is on the following day. For example, a shift from 22:00 to 06:00 is calculated as 8 hours.
How do I convert hours and minutes to a decimal for payroll?
Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. For example, 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45 ÷ 60) = 7.75 hours. Multiply by your hourly rate to get your pay for that shift.
How many hours is a standard work day?
In most countries a standard full-time work day is 8 hours, typically from 09:00 to 17:00 or 08:00 to 16:00 with a one-hour unpaid lunch break. Part-time shifts vary but 4 and 6-hour shifts are common.
How do I calculate overtime hours?
Calculate your total hours worked in the day or week, then subtract the standard hours (usually 8 hours per day or 40 hours per week). The remainder is your overtime. For example, if you worked 9.5 hours in a day, you have 1.5 hours of overtime.
What is the difference between hours worked and hours paid?
Hours worked is the time you are physically present and working. Hours paid may differ if unpaid breaks are deducted, if you are salaried rather than hourly, or if overtime is compensated at a different rate. Always check your employment contract for the exact calculation method.
How many work hours are in a year?
A standard full-time employee working 40 hours per week works approximately 2,080 hours per year (52 weeks × 40 hours). After deducting public holidays and typical leave entitlements, the actual number is closer to 1,920–1,960 hours. See our Work Hours Per Year page for a detailed breakdown.
Can I use this to track hours across multiple days?
This calculator is designed for calculating the duration within a single day or across midnight. To total up hours across multiple days or a full week, use it for each shift and add the results together.