Shift Length Calculator
Enter your start and end times to see total shift hours, break deductions, and weekly projections. Handles overnight shifts.
Shift Times
Break Duration
Days Per Week
Projections based on this shift repeated for selected days per week.
Hour Projections
Track Your Actual Hours
Stop calculating shifts by hand. The app automatically tracks your clock-ins, breaks, and overtime. See your real take-home pay after taxes.
Understanding Shift Length Calculations
Calculating Your Shift Hours
Most workers need to know exactly how long their shift is — whether for payroll, overtime tracking, or scheduling. This calculator handles the math so you don't have to count hours on your fingers. Enter your clock-in and clock-out times, and it instantly shows your total shift length in hours and minutes.
Break Time Deductions
Under federal labor law (FLSA Section 785.18), breaks of 20 minutes or less must be paid, but longer meal breaks can be unpaid. Most full-time workers take a 30-minute unpaid lunch break. The calculator subtracts your break time from total hours to show net working time — what you actually get paid for.
Overnight Shifts Work Too
If you work graveyard shifts that cross midnight — say 10 PM to 6 AM — the calculator handles it correctly. It recognizes when your end time is earlier than your start time and calculates hours spanning midnight. No need to split your shift into before and after midnight.
Weekly and Annual Projections
Select how many days per week you typically work this shift. The calculator shows weekly totals, plus projections for biweekly pay periods, monthly hours, and annual totals. This helps you plan your income and track whether you're hitting full-time status (typically 32-40 hours per week depending on your employer).
When Overtime Kicks In
Federal law requires overtime pay (1.5x your regular rate) for hours over 40 in a workweek. If your projected weekly hours exceed 40, you may be eligible for overtime pay. Some states have daily overtime thresholds too — California requires overtime for shifts over 8 hours. Check your state's labor laws for specifics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about shift length calculator
How do I calculate an overnight shift?
Enter your start time normally (e.g., 10:00 PM) and your end time the next morning (e.g., 6:00 AM). The calculator automatically detects overnight shifts and calculates the correct total hours spanning midnight.
What if my shift is exactly 8 hours?
A standard 8-hour shift (like 9 AM to 5 PM) will show 8.0 hours total. After a typical 30-minute break deduction, you'll have 7.5 hours of paid time. This is normal for most full-time positions.
Do I need to include my break time?
Yes, enter your unpaid break time in minutes. Federal law allows employers to deduct meal breaks of 30 minutes or longer. Short breaks (under 20 minutes) must be paid and shouldn't be deducted.
What about split shifts?
This calculator is designed for single shifts with one start and end time. For split shifts (working morning and evening with a long break), calculate each portion separately or use a timecard calculator for multiple time entries.
How accurate are the projections?
Projections assume you work this exact shift for the selected number of days each week. Real schedules vary, so treat these as estimates. For precise tracking, use a time tracking app that records your actual hours.
Can I use this for payroll?
This calculator shows total hours worked but doesn't handle complex payroll factors like overtime rates, state laws, or tax withholding. For payroll calculations, use specialized payroll software or the paycheck calculator.
What if my break is longer than my shift?
The calculator prevents impossible scenarios — if you enter a break longer than your total shift time, net hours will show 0. You can't have negative working time.