How to calculate the hours between two times
Subtract the start time from the end time. It’s easiest in 24-hour time: from 08:45 to 17:15 is 17:15 − 08:45 = 8 hours 30 minutes. If the minutes of the end time are smaller, borrow an hour: 17:15 becomes 16:75, and 16:75 − 08:45 = 8:30.
If the end time is after midnight, add 24 hours to it first. A shift from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is (6 + 24) − 22 = 8 hours. The calculator does this for you.
How many hours between two times: examples
| From – to | Hours:minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|---|
| 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM | 4:30 | 4.50 |
| 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | 4:00 | 4.00 |
| 2:00 PM to 11:00 PM | 9:00 | 9.00 |
| 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM | 8:00 | 8.00 |
| 8:30 AM to 4:45 PM | 8:15 | 8.25 |
| 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM | 8:30 | 8.50 |
| 11:30 AM to 2:15 PM | 2:45 | 2.75 |
| 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM (overnight) | 8:00 | 8.00 |
Work hours with a break
For hours worked, subtract unpaid breaks from the time between clocking in and out. 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM with a 30-minute lunch is 8 hours of paid work. For a whole week of shifts with overtime and pay, use the time card calculator.
Hours to minutes, and minutes to hours
- Hours to minutes: multiply by 60. 7.75 hours × 60 = 465 minutes.
- Minutes to hours: divide by 60. 465 ÷ 60 = 7.75 hours, or 7 hours 45 minutes.
- Minutes to decimal hours: divide just the minutes by 60. 45 minutes = 0.75, so 7:45 = 7.75.
Adding up time
Add the hours and minutes separately, then turn every 60 minutes into an hour. 7:45 + 8:30 + 6:15 is 21 hours and 90 minutes, which is 22 hours 30 minutes. Use subtract rows for time off, like an early finish.
Reading 24-hour times
Time clocks often print 24-hour time. 13:00 is 1 PM, 17:30 is 5:30 PM. The military time converter has a full chart.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours between two times?
Subtract the start time from the end time. From 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. If the end is after midnight, add 24 hours to it first.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. 45 minutes is 0.75 hours, so 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours.
Can it add up several shifts?
Yes. Use the “Add up durations” section to total several time periods in hours and minutes.