How weekly hours are calculated
For each day, the calculator finds the time between clock-in and clock-out, subtracts the unpaid break, and converts to decimal hours:
Daily hours = (End − Start) − Break ÷ 60
The days are summed for the weekly total. Hours up to your overtime threshold (40 by default) are regular; anything beyond is overtime, paid at the multiplier you set — 1.5× by default.
Tips for accuracy
- Breaks: enter only unpaid break minutes; paid rest breaks stay in.
- Overnight shifts: if the end time is before the start, it's treated as crossing midnight.
- Decimal hours: 30 minutes = 0.5, 15 minutes = 0.25 — see the hours calculator for a single span.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate hours worked from a time card?
For each day, subtract the start time from the end time, then subtract any unpaid break. Add the days together for the weekly total. For example, 9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break is 8 hours; do that for each day and sum.
How is overtime calculated?
Under U.S. federal rules, hours over 40 in a week are overtime, paid at 1.5× the regular rate. If you work 45 hours, that is 40 regular hours plus 5 overtime hours. Some states also have daily overtime rules, which this calculator does not apply.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. So 30 minutes is 0.5 hours and 15 minutes is 0.25 hours. Payroll uses decimal hours, so 8 hours 30 minutes becomes 8.5 hours when multiplied by an hourly rate.
Should breaks be subtracted?
Unpaid breaks, like a lunch period, should be subtracted from worked time. Short paid rest breaks are usually counted as worked time and left in. Enter only the unpaid break minutes in each day's break field.
Does this handle overnight shifts?
Yes. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator assumes the shift crossed midnight and adds 24 hours, so an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift counts as 8 hours.
Disclaimer: This applies a simple weekly overtime threshold and does not account for state daily-overtime rules, taxes, or deductions. Provided for educational purposes.