Calculate hours between two times
Enter a start time and end time to find the elapsed duration in hours and minutes, decimal hours and total minutes. If the end time is earlier than the start time, the calculator treats it as an overnight period ending the next day.
elapsed time = end time − start time (add 24 hours if overnight)Example: 9:15 AM to 5:45 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes, or 8.50 decimal hours.Work shifts, breaks and overnight time
This calculator does not deduct breaks. Use the Work Hours calculator when checking net work time. A shift from 10:00 PM to 6:30 AM lasts 8 hours 30 minutes; subtracting a 30-minute unpaid break leaves 8 paid hours. For a full week, use the time card calculator or work hours calculator.
Common time difference examples
| Start → end | Hours and minutes | Decimal hours |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM → 5:00 PM | 8 hr 00 min | 8.00 |
| 8:30 AM → 1:30 PM | 5 hr 00 min | 5.00 |
| 10:00 PM → 6:30 AM next day | 8 hr 30 min | 8.50 |
| 11:45 PM → 12:15 AM next day | 0 hr 30 min | 0.50 |
Elapsed time versus paid work time
9:00 AM to 5:00 PM is 8 elapsed hours. A 30-minute unpaid lunch reduces net work time to 7 hours 30 minutes. Use Work Hours with breaks for that deduction. Use Decimal Hours to convert a known duration or Hours Calculator to add several durations.
Clock-time calculation limits
Matching start and end times return zero, not 24 hours. This tool uses clock times only: it cannot distinguish multi-day periods, compare time zones or account for daylight-saving clock changes. An earlier end time is assumed to be the next day.
Hours between times FAQs
How many hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM?
There are 8 hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM before any break deduction.
Can the calculator handle a shift that crosses midnight?
Yes. An end time earlier than the start is automatically treated as the following day.
How do I convert the result to decimal hours?
Divide the remaining minutes by 60 and add them to the whole hours. For example, 7 hours 45 minutes is 7.75 hours.