Instantly calculate total work hours, deduct unpaid break times, and convert physical time tracking to decimal units for precise payroll calculation.
Hours & Payroll Calculator
Calculate exact worked duration, deduct unpaid breaks, and convert to standardized payroll decimals.
Standard Duration
Payroll Decimal Format
How to Calculate Total Work Hours
Whether you're an hourly employee filling out a timesheet or an employer calculating a payroll run, converting strict clock-in and clock-out times into billable hours is a frustratingly exact mathematical requirement.
If you need to manually calculate the time without our tool, the easiest method is to use Military Time (24-Hour Clock).
- 1. Convert to 24-Hour: If you clocked out at 5:30 PM, add 12 to the hours to get 17:30.
- 2. Subtract: Subtract the start time (e.g., 8:00) from the end time (17:30).
17:30 - 08:00 = 9 Hours 30 Minutes - 3. Deduct Unpaid Breaks: If you took an unpaid 30-minute lunch, subtract it now.
9 Hours 30 Mins - 30 Mins = 9 Hours Exactly
Standard Time vs. Decimal Hours
The most common mistake on timesheets is treating minutes as decimals.
If an employee works 8 hours and 30 minutes, you cannot multiply their wage by 8.30. There are 60 minutes in an hour, not 100.
Our calculator automatically converts "30 minutes" into the correct ".50" decimal needed to multiply against an hourly wage.
Handling Unpaid Breaks
Federal labor laws (FLSA) generally stipulate that short rest breaks (usually about 20 minutes) must be paid.
However, longer, bona fide meal periods (typically 30 minutes or more) where the employee is completely relieved from duty are unpaid. Make sure you are only deducting specific uninterrupted lunch blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the calculator handle overnight shifts?
If your Clock-Out time is earlier than your Clock-In time (for example, starting at 10:00 PM and ending at 6:00 AM), our logic automatically detects the timeline boundary crossing midnight and dynamically calculates it as an 8-hour shift.
What is 45 minutes in payroll decimals?
45 minutes represents three-quarters of an hour. By dividing 45 by 60, we find the exact payroll decimal is 0.75.
What is 15 minutes in payroll decimals?
15 minutes represents one-quarter of an hour. By dividing 15 by 60, we find the exact payroll decimal is 0.25.
The tools and calculators provided on The Simple Toolbox are intended for educational and informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice. While we strive to keep calculations accurate, numbers are based on user inputs and standard assumptions that may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a certified professional (such as a CPA, financial advisor, or attorney) before making significant financial or business decisions.
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