Shift Hours Calculator
Calculate hours across one or more work shift segments, including split and overnight shifts.
How to use the shift hours calculator
Enter a start time, end time, and any unpaid break for each work period. Use Add shift segment for a split shift or another period, and leave unused rows blank. The total updates as you type.
How shift hours are calculated
Worked minutes = shift duration - unpaid break
Each segment is calculated on its own, then valid segment minutes are added together. An end time earlier than its start is treated as the next day.
Split shifts
Use a separate segment for each work period. For example, 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM total 8 hours without treating the unpaid gap as worked time.
Overnight shifts
A segment from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM spans midnight automatically. Add an unpaid break to that segment if needed.
Unpaid break deductions
Enter the unpaid break for the segment where it occurs. A break equal to that segment's duration gives zero worked time; a longer break is flagged for correction.
This calculator totals time only. It does not determine overtime eligibility, overtime pay, or other labor-law rules.
Worked examples
An 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM segment with a 60-minute break gives 8h 00m, or 8.00 decimal hours. A split day from 8:00 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM also totals 8h 00m.
Frequently asked questions
How is this different from the Work Hours Calculator?
Use Work Hours Calculator for one simple work interval. This page is for a workday with multiple segments, such as a split shift.
Can I enter an overnight segment?
Yes. An end time earlier than the start time is treated as the following day, so 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM is 8 hours before any break.
When should I use a timesheet instead?
Use the Timesheet Calculator for flexible entries across multiple dates or a custom reporting period. For a standard Monday-through-Sunday card, use the Time Card Calculator.