Time Duration Calculator – Hours Between Two Times
Work out exactly how much time is between a start and an end time. Enter two times and get the duration in hours and minutes, total minutes, and decimal hours — with options to span midnight and subtract a break. Ideal for timesheets, shifts, and work hours. Free, no sign-up, and it runs in your browser.
This free time duration calculator works out exactly how much time is between a start time and an end time. Enter the two times and it shows the duration in hours and minutes, in total minutes, and in decimal hours — the format payroll and timesheets usually need. It handles durations that cross midnight, and you can subtract a break to get true worked hours. Use it as an hours calculator for shifts and work hours, to measure how long a task or trip took, or simply to find the time between two times. Everything runs in your browser, with no sign-up. Enter your start and end times above to see the duration.
What does this tool do?
It calculates the length of time between two clock times and presents it in several useful ways:
- Duration in hours and minutes (for example, 8 hours 30 minutes).
- Decimal hours (8.50), which is what most payroll systems use.
- Total minutes and seconds for precise needs.
- Options to cross midnight and to subtract a break.
Why use this tool?
Working out time spans by hand is error-prone, especially when a shift runs past midnight or you need to remove an unpaid break. This calculator does it instantly and shows the decimal-hours figure that timesheets and invoices rely on, so you do not have to convert minutes into fractions of an hour yourself. Whether you are logging work hours, billing a client, or timing an activity, it gives you an accurate result in one step.
How the tool works
- Each time is converted to minutes, and the start is subtracted from the end.
- If the end time is earlier than the start, the tool assumes the duration crosses midnight and adds a full day.
- For spans longer than a day, turn on dates so the exact number of days is included.
- Any break you enter is subtracted from the total to give true worked time.
- The result is shown in hours and minutes, in decimal hours, and in total minutes and seconds.
How to use the tool
- Enter the start time and end time.
- Optionally enter a break in minutes to subtract it.
- If the span is longer than a day, tick Use specific dates and pick the dates.
- Read the duration in hours and minutes, decimal hours, and total minutes.
Practical examples
A work shift
9:00 to 17:30 with a 30-minute break is 8 hours worked, or 8.00 decimal hours — ready for a timesheet.
An overnight shift
22:00 to 06:00 crosses midnight and comes to 8 hours automatically.
Billing a client
Use the decimal-hours figure (for example, 2.25 h) to bill time accurately.
Timing an activity
Find how long a trip, exam, or meeting lasted from its start and end time.
Common use cases
- Timesheets & payroll: calculating work hours and decimal hours.
- Shift work: including shifts that run past midnight.
- Freelancing: billing time spent on a task.
- Everyday timing: how long something took between two times.
Tips & best practices
- Use decimal hours for payroll and invoices — it is the format most systems expect.
- Enter your unpaid break so the total reflects true worked time.
- For overnight shifts, you can simply enter both times; the tool spans midnight for you.
- Turn on dates only when the duration is longer than a single day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate hours between two times?
Enter the start and end times, and the tool shows the duration in hours and minutes, plus decimal hours and total minutes.
Does it handle overnight shifts past midnight?
Yes. If the end time is earlier than the start time, it assumes the span crosses midnight and adds a full day automatically.
What are decimal hours?
Decimal hours express minutes as a fraction of an hour — 30 minutes is 0.50, so 8 hours 30 minutes is 8.50. Payroll systems usually use this format.
Can I subtract a lunch break?
Yes. Enter the break in minutes and it is removed from the total to give your true worked time.
Can it measure more than 24 hours?
Yes. Turn on specific dates and the tool includes the number of days between the start and end.
Does it use a 24-hour or 12-hour clock?
The time fields follow your device and browser settings, so you may see a 12-hour or 24-hour format. The calculation is the same either way.
Is my data private?
Yes. The calculation runs entirely in your browser and nothing is sent to a server. Your entries are saved locally on your own device.
Is the tool free?
Completely free, with no account and no limit on how many calculations you make.