How to calculate work hours and breaks
To calculate hours worked, find the length of each shift, subtract any unpaid break, then add the daily totals. Hourwell can do each step automatically.
1. Record the start and end time
Use the exact time your shift began and ended. For example, a shift from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM lasts 8 hours and 30 minutes before breaks.
2. Subtract unpaid breaks
Subtract only breaks that are unpaid. A 30-minute unpaid break changes an 8-hour, 30-minute shift into 8 paid hours.
3. Handle overnight shifts
If the end time is earlier than the start time, the shift probably crossed midnight. A 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM shift is 8 hours before breaks.
4. Add your weekly total
Add the net time from every workday. Five 8-hour shifts equal 40 hours for the week.
How to estimate weekly pay
Multiply total hours by your hourly rate. For example, 40 hours at $20 per hour is an estimated $800 before taxes. This estimate does not automatically account for overtime rules, taxes, tips, or deductions.
Convert minutes to decimal hours
Decimal hours = whole hours + minutes ÷ 60. For example, 7 hours 30 minutes = 7 + 30 ÷ 60 = 7.5 hours. Don’t write 7.30: the decimal part represents a fraction of an hour.
| Minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|
| 15 | 0.25 |
| 20 | 0.3333… |
| 30 | 0.5 |
| 45 | 0.75 |
| 60 | 1 |
Hourwell’s weekly total and CSV round decimal hours to two places. Estimated pay uses the underlying minutes, so multiplying an already-rounded displayed total can differ slightly.
More help: multiple jobs and common questions →
Let Hourwell add up your week
Enter your shifts and breaks in the free calculator. You can also print or download the finished timesheet.
Open the free work hours calculator