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.