Duration Calculator
Calculate precise time duration between two times.
Duration Calculator
Calculate time duration between two times
Common Use Cases:
- • Work hours and overtime calculation
- • Meeting and event duration tracking
- • Time logging for projects and tasks
- • Travel time and schedule planning
How to Use the Duration Calculator
Choose Calculation Type: Select "Same Day" for times within 24 hours or "Cross Multiple Days" for longer durations.
Enter Start Time: Input the beginning time in 24-hour format.
Enter End Time: Input the ending time in 24-hour format.
Add Dates (if needed): For cross-day calculations, specify the start and end dates.
Get Results: View duration in multiple formats including decimal hours and work days.
Calculation Examples
Work Hours Tracking
Calculate daily work hours for timesheet management:
Start: 09:00 | End: 17:30
Duration: 8 hours 30 minutes (8.5 decimal hours)
Meeting Duration
Track the length of meetings and events:
Start: 14:30 | End: 16:15
Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes
Overnight Shifts
Calculate duration for shifts that span midnight:
Start: 22:00 (Day 1) | End: 06:00 (Day 2)
Duration: 8 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate overnight duration?
For overnight shifts or events that span midnight, use the "Cross Multiple Days" option and specify both the start and end dates along with the times. The calculator will correctly compute the duration across midnight.
What is decimal hours format?
Decimal hours express time as a decimal number. For example, 1 hour 30 minutes equals 1.5 decimal hours. This format is commonly used for billing, payroll, and time tracking systems.
How are work days calculated?
Work days are calculated based on an 8-hour workday. The calculator divides the total hours by 8 to give you the equivalent work days, which is useful for project planning and time estimation.
Can I calculate duration for multiple time periods?
Currently, the calculator handles one time period at a time. For multiple periods, calculate each separately and add the results together manually.
Does the calculator account for time zones?
The calculator uses your local time zone for calculations. If you need to calculate duration across different time zones, convert the times to a single time zone first.
Calculator Features
Same Day Calculation
Calculate duration for times within the same 24-hour period, with automatic next-day handling.
Cross-Day Calculation
Calculate duration spanning multiple days with precise date and time handling.
Multiple Formats
Get results in 24-hour format, 12-hour format, and decimal hours for versatility.
Work Hours Conversion
Automatically convert duration to work days based on 8-hour workdays.
Detailed Breakdown
See total hours, minutes, seconds, and decimal hours for comprehensive analysis.
Instant Calculation
Real-time calculation updates as you input times for immediate results.
Time Tracking Best Practices
Track Time in Real-Time
Log start and end times as they happen instead of reconstructing them later. Memory becomes unreliable after just a few hours. Use your phone or computer clock to record exact times. Real-time tracking gives you accurate data for billing, productivity analysis, and project management.
Account for Breaks
Subtract break time from total duration for accurate work hours. A 9:00 to 17:00 shift with a 30-minute lunch is 7.5 hours, not 8. Track each break separately if you take multiple breaks. Unpaid break policies vary by state and employer, so check your local regulations.
Handle Midnight Correctly
For overnight shifts crossing midnight, specify dates to calculate correctly. A shift from 23:00 to 07:00 spans two calendar days. Without dates, duration calculators may misinterpret this as a negative time or only count same-day hours. Always include start and end dates for shifts spanning midnight.
Use Decimal Hours for Billing
Convert time to decimal format for easier invoicing and payroll. 2 hours 30 minutes = 2.5 hours. Multiply decimal hours by your hourly rate for quick total calculations. Most billing software accepts decimal hours, and this format eliminates confusion about whether "2:30" means 2 hours 30 minutes or 2.5 hours.
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