Time & DateUpdated May 2026

Hours Calculator

Calculate total hours, decimal hours, or duration between two times. Perfect for payroll and time tracking.

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Updated 2026

Hours Calculator

Use this free hours calculator to add or subtract hours from a clock time. Supports break time and 12/24-hour formats.
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How Work Hours and Overtime are Calculated

An hours calculator helps you determine your total work hours and corresponding pay for a given period, typically a week. In the United States, the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) defines overtime as any hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, requiring employers to pay at least 1.5 times the regular rate (time-and-a-half).

Regular vs. overtime: The calculator tracks your cumulative hours throughout the week. Once you cross the overtime threshold (typically 40 hours), additional hours are multiplied by the overtime rate (1.5x or 2x depending on your employment terms). This means a single hour of overtime at $25/hour earns $37.50 instead of $25.

Common pay periods: Weekly employees are paid for all hours worked in a 7-day period. Bi-weekly employees receive pay every two weeks, and overtime is calculated per week, not per pay period. Salaried employees may be exempt from overtime depending on their job classification and income level.

State variations: Some states have stricter overtime rules. California requires overtime pay for hours worked beyond 8 in a single day, regardless of weekly totals. Alaska requires daily overtime after 8 hours. Always check your local labor laws, as they may provide more protection than federal requirements.

Example: 45-Hour Week at $20/hour

Regular (40 hrs):
$800.00
Overtime (5 hrs):
$150.00 (5 × $30)
Total Pay:
$950.00

Those 5 overtime hours add $150 to your paycheck — that's the power of time-and-a-half pay.

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How our hours calculator works

1

Enter start and end times

Type the start and end times using the time picker. We accept both 12-hour (AM/PM) and 24-hour formats.

2

Choose format

Get the duration in hours and minutes (HH:MM), decimal hours (7.50), total minutes, or total seconds. Perfect for payroll, billing, and time tracking.

3

Add break time if needed

Optionally subtract unpaid break time. The hours calculator handles overnight shifts and day-rollover automatically.

Key things to know about our hours calculator:

  • Decimal hours for payroll: 7h 30m = 7.50 decimal hours. Most payroll systems bill in decimals, not HH:MM format. Convert in one click.
  • Overnight shifts: Working from 10 PM to 6 AM? The hours calculator handles the date change automatically so you get the right 8-hour total.
  • Pair with time calculator: For time math in hours/minutes/seconds, use the time calculator. For work-hour totals, use the hours calculator.

For related calculations, try our time calculator.

Verified accuracy

Cross-checked against authoritative formulas (IRS, NIST, ACM) and updated for 2025/2026 tax years and rates.

Instant results

No server roundtrip. All math runs in your browser so results appear the moment you finish typing.

Your data stays private

We never collect, store, or transmit your inputs. Every calculation runs locally in your browser.

Learn as you calculate

Each calculator includes the formula, plain-English explanation, and FAQs so you understand the result.

Estimates only. Calculator results are for educational and planning purposes — not professional advice. For binding decisions on taxes, investments, health, or legal matters, consult a qualified professional.

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Hours Calculator - Work Hours, Overtime & Paycheck | CalcCentral