Hours Calculator
Calculate the total number of hours between two clock times, shown as a decimal figure.
- Free to use
- Accurate results
- No registration required
- Works on all devices
Enter a start time and end time to find the total number of hours between them as a decimal figure.
Use 24-hour HH:MM format, e.g. 09:00 or 17:45.
Your result
8.5
Total hours
Hours8
Minutes30
AI explanation
Formula
Total hours = (end time − start time) in minutes ÷ 60Worked example
9:00 to 17:30
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Start time (24-hour) | 09:00 |
| End time (24-hour) | 17:30 |
| Total hours | 8.5 |
| Hours | 8 |
| Minutes | 30 |
Assumptions
- If the end time is earlier than the start time, the duration is calculated assuming the end time falls on the following day.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the result a decimal number instead of hours and minutes?
Decimal hours (like 8.5 instead of 8 hours 30 minutes) are the format most payroll and billing systems expect — this page leads with that figure.
I need the hours and minutes breakdown instead — where's that?
See the Time Duration Calculator or Hours and Minutes Calculator, which lead with the hours/minutes breakdown using the same underlying calculation.
Does this handle overnight shifts?
Yes — if the end time is earlier than the start time, it's treated as falling on the next day.