⏰ Time Calculator - Add & Subtract Time
Calculate work hours, time durations, and manage timesheets with our free UK time calculator
How to Use This Time Calculator
Our free time calculator helps you calculate the duration between two times, perfect for work hours, timesheets, and scheduling. Here's how to use it:
- Enter your start time - Select or type the time you began work (e.g., 09:00)
- Enter your end time - Select or type the time you finished work (e.g., 17:30)
- Enter break duration - Add your total break time in minutes (e.g., 30 for a 30-minute lunch break)
- Click Calculate - The calculator will show your total working hours
- Handles overnight shifts automatically (e.g., 22:00 to 06:00)
- Shows both hours:minutes format and decimal hours for payroll
- Calculates gross time (before breaks) and net time (after breaks)
- Mobile-friendly and works on all devices
Understanding Time Calculations
How Time Duration is Calculated
The calculator uses a straightforward method to determine the time between two points:
Times are converted to minutes from midnight for calculation purposes, then converted back to hours and minutes for display. This method ensures accurate calculations even across midnight.
Decimal Hours vs Hours and Minutes
Many payroll systems require time in decimal format rather than hours and minutes. Here's the conversion:
| Minutes | Decimal Hours | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 0.25 hours | 8h 15m = 8.25 hours |
| 30 minutes | 0.50 hours | 8h 30m = 8.50 hours |
| 45 minutes | 0.75 hours | 8h 45m = 8.75 hours |
| 6 minutes | 0.10 hours | 8h 6m = 8.10 hours |
| 12 minutes | 0.20 hours | 8h 12m = 8.20 hours |
Worked Examples
Example 1: Standard Office Day
Scenario: You work 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM with a 1-hour lunch break.
- Start: 09:00
- End: 17:30
- Break: 60 minutes
- Gross Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Net Working Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (7.5 decimal hours)
Example 2: Part-Time Shift
Scenario: Part-time retail shift from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM with a 15-minute break.
- Start: 10:00
- End: 14:30
- Break: 15 minutes
- Gross Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Net Working Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (4.25 decimal hours)
Example 3: Night Shift (Overnight)
Scenario: Night security shift from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM with a 30-minute break.
- Start: 22:00
- End: 06:00
- Break: 30 minutes
- Gross Duration: 8 hours 0 minutes
- Net Working Time: 7 hours 30 minutes (7.5 decimal hours)
Example 4: Long Shift with Multiple Breaks
Scenario: 12-hour hospital shift from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM with 1 hour total breaks.
- Start: 07:00
- End: 19:00
- Break: 60 minutes
- Gross Duration: 12 hours 0 minutes
- Net Working Time: 11 hours 0 minutes (11.0 decimal hours)
UK Working Time Regulations
The Working Time Regulations 1998 set out the legal requirements for working hours, rest breaks, and holiday entitlement in the UK. Here's what you need to know:
Maximum Weekly Working Hours
Rest Break Requirements
| Working Hours | Minimum Break Entitlement |
|---|---|
| More than 6 hours | 20 minutes uninterrupted rest break |
| Under 6 hours | No legal requirement (employer discretion) |
Daily and Weekly Rest
- Daily rest: Workers are entitled to 11 consecutive hours rest in any 24-hour period
- Weekly rest: Workers are entitled to either 24 hours uninterrupted rest every 7 days, or 48 hours every 14 days
Night Workers
If you work at night (11pm to 6am), additional rules apply:
- Average working hours must not exceed 8 hours in any 24-hour period
- Night workers must be offered free health assessments
- Employers must keep records of night workers' hours
Timesheet Tips for UK Workers
Best Practices
- Record time daily while it's fresh
- Include all break times accurately
- Note any overtime separately
- Keep a personal copy of your timesheet
- Submit on time to avoid payment delays
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to deduct break time
- Rounding times incorrectly
- Missing overtime hours
- Using wrong date format (UK: DD/MM/YYYY)
- Not accounting for travel time (if applicable)
Timesheet Rounding Rules
Many employers use rounding for timesheets. Common methods include:
- Quarter-hour rounding: Round to nearest 15 minutes (0, 15, 30, 45)
- Sixth-hour rounding: Round to nearest 10 minutes
- Tenth-hour rounding: Round to nearest 6 minutes
Check your employment contract or company policy for the specific rounding method used.
Quick Reference: Common Work Patterns
| Work Pattern | Typical Hours | With 30min Break | Decimal Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-time (9-5) | 09:00 - 17:00 | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
| Full-time (8-5) | 08:00 - 17:00 | 8h 30m | 8.50 |
| Half day (morning) | 09:00 - 13:00 | 3h 30m | 3.50 |
| Half day (afternoon) | 13:00 - 17:30 | 4h 00m | 4.00 |
| 12-hour shift | 07:00 - 19:00 | 11h 30m | 11.50 |
| Night shift | 22:00 - 06:00 | 7h 30m | 7.50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate overtime hours?
First, calculate your regular working hours (typically 37.5 or 40 per week). Any hours worked beyond this are overtime. Use this calculator for each day, then add up your weekly total. Hours above your contracted hours are overtime, though payment rates vary by employer and contract.
Does this calculator work for overnight shifts?
Yes! The calculator automatically handles overnight shifts. If your end time is earlier than your start time (e.g., start 22:00, end 06:00), it understands you've worked through midnight and calculates correctly.
Should I include my lunch break in the calculation?
Unpaid lunch breaks should be entered in the "Break Duration" field so they're subtracted from your total. If your break is paid, you can enter 0 minutes. Check your contract to confirm whether breaks are paid or unpaid.
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours for payroll?
Divide the minutes by 60. For example: 45 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.75 hours. So 8 hours 45 minutes = 8.75 decimal hours. Our calculator shows both formats automatically.
What's the legal minimum break time in the UK?
Workers are entitled to a 20-minute uninterrupted rest break if they work more than 6 hours per day. Young workers (under 18) are entitled to a 30-minute break if they work more than 4.5 hours. Many employers offer longer breaks as standard.
How many hours can I legally work per week in the UK?
The legal maximum is 48 hours per week, averaged over 17 weeks. You can voluntarily opt out of this limit by signing a written agreement with your employer. Some sectors have specific rules, and night workers have additional restrictions.
Can I use this calculator for multiple days?
This calculator works on a single shift basis. For weekly totals, calculate each day separately and add the results. Alternatively, use our Weekly Timesheet Calculator for multi-day calculations.
How accurate is this calculator?
This calculator provides accurate results for time duration calculations. However, always verify with your employer's official timesheet system, as rounding rules and policies may differ. This is for informational purposes only.
What if I have multiple short breaks during the day?
Add up all your break times and enter the total in the "Break Duration" field. For example, if you have a 15-minute morning break, 30-minute lunch, and 15-minute afternoon break, enter 60 minutes.
Is travel time considered working time?
Generally, travel between home and your normal workplace is not working time. However, travel during the working day (e.g., visiting clients) usually counts. Specific rules depend on your contract and circumstances - check with your employer or ACAS for guidance.
How does flexitime work with this calculator?
For flexitime workers, use the calculator as normal for each working day. Track your hours to ensure you meet your contracted hours over the relevant period (usually weekly or monthly). Keep records to monitor your credit or debit hours.
What is the difference between gross and net working time?
Gross time is the total time from start to end without any deductions. Net time is your actual working time after breaks are subtracted. Payroll typically uses net working time for hourly workers.
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💡 Pro Tips for Accurate Results ▼
- Double-check your input values before calculating
- Use the correct unit format (metric or imperial)
- For complex calculations, break them into smaller steps
- Bookmark this page for quick future access
📊 Understanding Your Results ▼
Our Time Calculator provides:
- Instant calculations - Results appear immediately
- Accurate formulas - Based on official UK standards
- Clear explanations - Understand how results are derived
- 2025/26 updated - Using current rates and regulations
❓ Common Questions ▼
Is this calculator free?
Yes, all our calculators are 100% free to use with no registration required.
Are the results accurate?
Our calculators use verified formulas and are regularly updated for accuracy.
Can I use this on mobile?
Yes, all calculators are fully responsive and work on any device.