How to count hours worked

Subtract times, then subtract breaks

Worked time is the span from clock-in to clock-out minus unpaid breaks. When a shift crosses midnight, add 24 hours to the end time before subtracting.

Minutes divide by 60, not by 100

Payroll systems multiply hours by an hourly rate, so 7 hours 45 minutes becomes 7.75 hours. Reading 45 minutes as 0.45 underpays by 18 minutes.

What counts as hours worked

Under FLSA guidance, short rest breaks of about 5 to 20 minutes generally count as worked time, while bona fide meal periods usually do not. State law and employer policy can add stricter rules.

Boundary: the calculator does simple time arithmetic. Whether a specific break, on-call period, or travel segment is compensable is a legal question about your jurisdiction and employer.