Comprehensive Calculator Guide
This calculator gives the hours and minutes between a start and an end time, less any break. A shift from 08:00 to 17:00 with a one-hour break is 8 hours. Night shifts that cross midnight are handled automatically, and the result is also shown in decimal hours for timesheets.
Shifts, breaks and decimal hours
Subtract the start from the end and take off the break. If the end is earlier than the start, the shift runs into the next day: 22:00 to 06:00 is 8 hours.
Payroll multiplies an hourly rate by decimal hours, so 4 h 30 min is 4.5 hours, not 4.3. Saudi labour law sets actual working hours at 8 a day or 48 a week, reduced to 6 a day in Ramadan for Muslim workers.
How to Use
- 01Enter the start time.
- 02Enter the end time, even if it is after midnight.
- 03Enter the break in minutes, if any.
Formula Used
Duration = end − start − break (plus a day if it crosses midnight)Practical Examples
Example 1: a full day
08:00 to 17:00 with a 60-minute break: 8 hours.
Example 2: a night shift
22:00 to 06:00: 8 hours.
Example 3: a half day
09:15 to 13:45: 4 h 30 min, or 4.5 hours.
Important Tips
- Use the 24-hour clock to avoid mixing up morning and evening.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Writing 4 h 30 min as 4.30 hours instead of 4.5.
- Forgetting to subtract the break.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I calculate hours worked?
- Subtract the start time from the end time and deduct breaks.
- What about shifts past midnight?
- Enter both times as they are; a day is added when the end is earlier.
- What is 7 h 45 min in decimal?
- 7.75 hours.