How does it handle an overnight shift?

If the end time is earlier than the start time, it adds 24 hours so the result stays positive. A shift from 22:00 to 06:00 is treated as 8 hours, not negative. This covers a single overnight wrap from one evening into the next morning.

What is the difference between decimal hours and H:MM?

Decimal hours express minutes as a fraction — 8.5 hours — which is convenient for multiplying by an hourly pay rate. H:MM keeps the clock format — 8:30 — meaning 8 hours and 30 minutes. The calculator shows both so you can use whichever fits.

How do I subtract a lunch break?

Enter the break length in minutes and it's taken off the total. A 9:00–17:30 span is 8.5 hours; with a 30-minute break it becomes 8.0 hours. Only unpaid breaks should be deducted if you're calculating paid time.

Hours Calculator — time between two times

Hours Calculator

Enter a start and end time to get the hours and minutes between them — shown in decimal hours and H:MM, with an optional break deduction and overnight-shift support.

✓ Decimal & H:MM

✓ Break deduction

✓ Overnight shifts

✓ Timesheet-ready

✓ 100% Free

Hours between times — Quick answer

Subtract the start from the end in minutes, then convert to hours.

minutes = (end − start) [+1440 if overnight] − break · hours = minutes ÷ 60

Worked example: 9:00 → 17:30 = 510 min = 8.5 hours (8:30).

Examples

Start → End	Break	Hours
9:00 → 17:30	0	8.50 (8:30)
9:00 → 17:30	30	8.00 (8:00)
22:00 → 06:00	0	8.00 (8:00)

Decimal hours suit pay; H:MM matches the clock.

⏱️ Hours Calculator

Enter the start and end times (and any break in minutes).

Start time

End time

Break (minutes)

Decimal hours

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Hours & minutes

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Total minutes

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ℹ️ Handles a single overnight wrap (end earlier than start adds 24 h). For date-to-date spans use a date difference calculator.

This hours calculator finds the time between a start and end time. It converts each to minutes, subtracts, adds 24 hours if the shift runs overnight, and takes off any break. The answer comes in decimal hours (good for pay) and H:MM (good for the clock).

Reviewed: June 20, 2026 · Author: Naveen P N, Founder — AI Calculator · Verified against: minute arithmetic, recomputed in code.

How it works

Minutes

minutes = (end − start), + 1440 if end < start, − break

Hours

decimal = minutes ÷ 60 · H:MM = whole hours and the remainder

Each clock time becomes minutes from midnight (9:00 → 540, 17:30 → 1050). Subtract start from end; if the result is negative the shift crossed midnight, so add 1440. Subtract the break, then divide by 60 for decimal hours, or split into whole hours and leftover minutes for H:MM.

Worked examples

A 9-to-5:30 day:

No break

1050 − 540 = 510 min = 8.5 h (8:30)

The same day with a 30-minute lunch:

Less break

510 − 30 = 480 min = 8.0 h (8:00)

An overnight shift 22:00 to 06:00:

Wrap +1440

(360 − 1320) + 1440 = 480 min = 8.0 h

So a 9:00–17:30 day is 8.5 hours, 8.0 after a half-hour break, and a 22:00–06:00 night shift is also 8.0 hours once the overnight wrap is handled.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate hours between two times?⌄

Minutes from midnight, end − start, ÷ 60. 9:00→17:30 = 510 min = 8.5 h (8:30).

How does it handle overnight?⌄

If end < start it adds 24 h. 22:00→06:00 = 8 h, not negative.

Decimal hours vs H:MM?⌄

8.5 (for pay × rate) vs 8:30 (clock format). Both are shown.

How do I subtract a break?⌄

Enter break minutes; it's deducted. 8.5 h − 30 min = 8.0 h.

Can it span multiple days?⌄

It handles one overnight wrap. For dates across days, use a date difference calculator.

Hours between times — Quick answer