How do I calculate the hours between two times?

Subtract the start time from the finish time. For 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM that is 8 hours 30 minutes. Add 24 hours first if the finish is the next day, and take off any unpaid break.

What if the finish is after midnight?

Turn on “Finish is the next day.” The calculator adds 24 hours before subtracting, so 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is 8 hours rather than a negative span.

How is the duration shown in decimal hours?

Minutes are divided by 60 and added to the whole hours: 8 hours 30 minutes is 8.5, 8 hours 20 minutes is about 8.33. The decimal value is rounded to two places.

Does this calculate pay?

No. It measures elapsed time only. To turn hours into pay, use the work hours calculator and enter your rate.

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Time duration calculator

How long is it between two times? Enter a start and finish to see the duration in hours and minutes, and as decimal hours.

To find the time between two times, subtract the start from the finish, add 24 hours if the finish is the next day, then take off any unpaid break. The answer is shown in hours and minutes and as decimal hours.

Example 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM = 8h 30m (8.5 hours) 5:30 PM is 510 minutes after 9:00 AM. With no break that is 8 hours 30 minutes, or 8.5 decimal hours.

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Your two times

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Duration is finish minus start, less any break

To measure the time between two clock times, subtract the start from the finish. If the finish is earlier on the clock than the start, the span runs overnight, so add 24 hours by turning on “Finish is the next day.” Subtract any unpaid break to get the paid or active duration.

EXAMPLE9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, 30-minute break = 8h 0m (8.00 hours)

9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. Taking off a 30-minute unpaid break leaves 8 hours, or 8.00 decimal hours.

Hours and minutes vs decimal hours

The result shows both forms because they are easy to confuse. 8 hours 30 minutes is 8.5 as a decimal (30 ÷ 60 = 0.5), not 8.30. Use the decimal form for a timesheet or to multiply by a rate.

Overnight spans

For a span that crosses midnight, such as 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, turn on “Finish is the next day.” That adds 24 hours before the subtraction, giving 8 hours. This tool does not resolve daylight-saving changes; verify the actual elapsed time if a span crosses one.

This measures the time between two entries. It does not transfer money, calculate taxes, or certify pay-rule compliance.

Guide: hours and minutes vs decimal hours · Read the crew guides · How do I get started?