How to Calculate Hours Worked (and Pay)
Updated June 2026
Add up work hours & pay.
Adding up a timesheet by hand is fiddly because time isn't base-10. Here's how to do it right — and convert to the decimal hours payroll uses.
Step 1 — find the span
Subtract clock-in from clock-out. For times that cross noon, convert to a 24-hour clock first. Example: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM → 09:00 to 17:30 = 8 hours 30 minutes.
Step 2 — subtract breaks
Take out unpaid breaks. An unpaid 30-minute lunch turns 8h30 into 8 hours 0 minutes.
Step 3 — convert to decimal hours
Payroll uses decimal hours, not minutes. Divide the minutes by 60:
Decimal hours = Hours + (Minutes ÷ 60)
| Minutes | Decimal | Minutes | Decimal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 0.25 | 40 | 0.67 |
| 30 | 0.50 | 45 | 0.75 |
So 8 hours 15 minutes = 8.25 hours.
Step 4 — figure pay
Pay = Decimal hours × Hourly rate
8.25 hours at $18/hr = $148.50. Hours over 40 in a week are usually paid at 1.5× (overtime).
Add up work hours & pay.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert minutes to decimal hours?
Divide the minutes by 60. For example, 45 minutes ÷ 60 = 0.75 hours.
When does overtime apply?
In the US, most hourly workers earn 1.5× their rate for hours worked beyond 40 in a workweek, though rules vary by state and role.