Shift Hours Calculator
Use this calculator to find the exact length of a work shift, including shifts that cross midnight. Add an unpaid break to see paid hours instantly.
Shift hours quick answer
Answer: Shift hours are the elapsed time from clock-in to clock-out minus any unpaid break. An end time earlier than the start time is treated as the following day.
Formula: Paid hours = elapsed minutes ÷ 60 − unpaid break minutes ÷ 60.
Example: 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM is 6 hours. With a 30-minute unpaid break, paid time is 5.5 hours.
Reviewed September 1, 2026 · Methodology
Examples
| Example | Result |
|---|---|
| 7:30 PM to 1:30 AM | 6.00 hours |
| 1:30 PM to 1:30 AM with a 30-minute break | 11.50 paid hours |
| 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with a 30-minute break | 8.00 paid hours |
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a shift that crosses midnight?
Enter the start and end times normally. The calculator automatically treats an end time earlier than the start time as the following day.
Does the calculator subtract lunch breaks?
Yes. Enter the unpaid break length in minutes and it will be subtracted from the total shift.
Can I use this for payroll?
It is useful for checking hours, but official payroll may use rounding rules or policies that differ from a simple elapsed-time calculation.