How do I convert hours and minutes to decimal hours?

Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. 8 hours 15 minutes is 8 + 15 ÷ 60 = 8.25 decimal hours — the format payroll systems use.

Hours Calculator

Q: How do I calculate hours worked?

Subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract any unpaid break. From 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM with a 30-minute lunch is 8.5 − 0.5 = 8.0 hours.

Q: How does an overnight shift work?

If the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift crosses midnight. This calculator adds 24 hours automatically, so 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM correctly returns 8 hours.

Work out the hours between a start and end time, subtract your break, and optionally see the pay — with decimal hours for payroll.

Hours worked

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Decimal hours

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Total minutes

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Break deducted

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Pay for shift

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How hours are calculated

Hours = (End − Start) − Break
Decimal hours = hours + minutes ÷ 60

Worked example

9:00 AM to 5:30 PM is 8.5 hours; minus a 30-minute lunch = 8.0 hours (8:00 in h:mm, 8.00 decimal). At $20/hr that's $160.

Timesheets, overnight shifts, and decimal hours

Payroll systems use decimal hours (8.25, not 8:15), which is why this tool shows both. If the end time is before the start time, the calculator assumes an overnight shift and adds 24 hours, so a 10 PM–6 AM shift correctly reads 8 hours. Add your rate to see gross pay for the shift; for overtime beyond 40 hours a week, use the overtime calculator, and to convert an hourly wage to an annual salary, the salary calculator.

Frequently asked questions

How do I calculate hours worked?

End − start − unpaid break. 9:00–5:30 with a 30-min lunch = 8.0 hours.

How do I convert to decimal hours?

Minutes ÷ 60 added to hours. 8h 15m = 8.25.

How does an overnight shift work?

If end is before start, 24 hours is added. 10 PM–6 AM = 8 hours.

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Last reviewed: July 2026.