How to Calculate Clock-In and Clock-Out Time
Clock-in and clock-out time gives the elapsed shift duration. To find net work time, subtract unpaid breaks that should be excluded from paid time. If clock-out occurs after midnight, treat it as the next day.
Practical timekeeping guide · ShiftHours
Find the elapsed time
A clock-in at 8:45 AM and clock-out at 5:15 PM gives a span of 8 hours 30 minutes. In minutes, that is 510 minutes.
Using minutes is useful when the start and end minute values differ and you need to subtract a break.
Subtract unpaid breaks
If the shift includes a 30-minute unpaid break, net time is 8 hours. If the break is 45 minutes, net time is 7 hours 45 minutes. Use the actual break duration rather than an assumed standard.
Follow the employer policy and applicable local rules to determine which breaks are excluded.
Handle overnight clock-outs
For 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, the shift is 8 hours before breaks. Split the calculation at midnight or use an overnight calculator option.
Keep the start and end dates for accurate records, especially if multiple shifts overlap calendar days.
Check the result
Use the work hours calculator to calculate net time and decimal hours. For weekly summaries, add each verified shift.
Use the free ShiftHours work hours calculator to calculate shift length, subtract unpaid breaks, and view decimal hours. For weekly totals, try the weekly calculator.
Example: clock-in to clock-out
Clocking in at 8:20 AM and clocking out at 4:50 PM gives 8 hours and 30 minutes elapsed. A 30-minute unpaid break reduces net work time to 8 hours. Check that the timesheet uses the correct date if the shift continues past midnight.
Related resources
Open the work hours calculator · Browse all ShiftHours articles · Decimal hours chart