About the Time Duration Calculator
Enter a start and end time to get the duration in hours and minutes and as a decimal. It handles shifts that cross midnight and can subtract an unpaid break — handy for timesheets and payroll.
How it’s calculated
Duration = end − start (add 24 hours if the end is earlier than the start), minus any break minutes.
Example calculation
From 09:00 to 17:30 is 8 hours 30 minutes, or 8.5 decimal hours.
Frequently asked questions
What if my shift crosses midnight?
If the end time is earlier than the start, the calculator assumes it runs into the next day and adds 24 hours — so 22:00 to 06:00 is 8 hours.
Why show decimal hours?
Payroll and billing often use decimal hours (8.5 rather than 8:30). The calculator shows both so you can enter whichever your system needs.
This tool provides estimates for general informational and educational purposes only. Results are based on the values you enter and standard formulas, and may not reflect your specific circumstances.