GA Paycheck CalculatorGeorgia · Tax year 2026

Hours Calculator: How Many Hours Between Two Times

Find the elapsed time between a start and an end time, in decimal hours and in hours and minutes. Subtract a break and multiply by the number of days if you like.

Last reviewed · Runs in your browser; nothing you type is sent to us · Formula and assumptions

Results update as you type. Pre-filled with the worked example described below.

Results

Hours between the two times
8
8h 00m · 480 minutes
Decimal hours
8
Hours:minutes
8:00
Total minutes
480
Days
1
Total hours for all days
8

Hours between two times

This is the arithmetic behind every time sheet: end time minus start time, minus any unpaid break. The result is shown as decimal hours (what payroll systems multiply by your rate) and as hours and minutes (what people usually say out loud). If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift crossed midnight, so 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is 8 hours, not a negative number.

Worked example (pre-filled). 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM is 8 hours 45 minutes on the clock. Taking out a 45-minute unpaid lunch leaves 8h 00m, which is 8 hours in decimal form. Five such days would be 40 hours; set the days field to see any multiple.

Whether a break may be unpaid is a legal question, not a math one. Under federal rules, which Georgia follows, a meal period can be unpaid only if you are completely relieved of duty, ordinarily for at least 30 minutes; short breaks of 5 to 20 minutes are paid working time (29 CFR 785.19; 29 CFR 785.18). For a full week of in and out times use the time card calculator; to turn the decimal into a paycheck, use the hourly wage pages.

Formula and assumptions

minutes = (end − start), adding 24 hours if end is before start
hours = (minutes − break) ÷ 60
total = hours × days
  • Times use a 24-hour clock internally; your browser shows them in your local format.
  • Shifts longer than 24 hours are not supported; split them into two entries.
  • Decimal hours are rounded to two places for display; the minutes figure is exact.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours is 8:30 to 5:00?

8:30 AM to 5:00 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes, or 8.5 hours. With a 30-minute unpaid lunch it is 8 hours.

How do you calculate hours worked with a lunch break?

Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract the unpaid lunch. 9:00 to 5:30 is 8.5 hours; minus a 30-minute lunch it is 8 hours.

How does the calculator handle overnight shifts?

If the end time is earlier than the start time, it adds 24 hours. 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM is 8 hours.

What is 45 minutes in decimal hours?

45 minutes is 0.75 hours (45 ÷ 60). The hours-to-decimal converter has the full minute table.

Related calculators

Sources

  1. 29 CFR 785.19, Meal periods (bona fide meal periods are not work time), via Cornell LII
  2. 29 CFR 785.18, Rest periods of 5 to 20 minutes are hours worked, via Cornell LII
  3. Georgia Department of Labor, Individuals FAQs: Fair Labor Standards Act

This calculator gives general estimates from the figures you enter. It is not tax, legal, payroll or financial advice. See our disclaimer.