Time Difference Calculator

Calculate elapsed time between two clock times.

Time worked

8h 00m

09:00 to 17:30

Decimal hours

8.00

What payroll systems expect

Total minutes

480

Gross duration

8h 30m

Break deducted

30 minutes

End time − start time, adding 24 hours when the shift crosses midnight, then subtracting the break.

Decimal hours are minutes ÷ 60 — 20 minutes is 0.33 hours, not 0.20.

What does Time Difference Calculator do?

Work out the duration between two times, including shifts that cross midnight, with an optional break deducted. The result is given in hours and minutes and in decimal hours for payroll.

How to Use Time Difference Calculator

1
Enter the start timeIn 24-hour or 12-hour format.
2
Enter the end timeEarlier than the start means it crosses midnight.
3
Add a breakIn minutes, deducted from the total.

Key Features

Handles overnight shifts that cross midnight
Optional unpaid break deducted from the total
Result in hours and minutes and in decimal hours
12-hour and 24-hour input formats
Optional dates for durations spanning more than one day

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate hours between two times?

Subtract the start from the end. When the end is earlier, add 24 hours because the period crossed midnight. The calculator detects that automatically.

How does an overnight shift work?

22:00 to 06:00 is 8 hours. The calculator recognises that the end time is earlier and rolls over the day, so you do not have to split the shift into two calculations.

Why do I need decimal hours?

Because payroll and invoicing systems expect them. 7 hours 30 minutes is 7.5 decimal hours; 7 hours 20 minutes is 7.33. Entering 7.30 for the latter is a common and costly mistake.