Calculating hours shouldn't feel like solving a puzzle. But between overnight shifts, break deductions, and overtime rates, the simple question "how many hours did I work?" turns into a math problem. These are the 15 questions people ask most often — with straight answers.
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Convert both times to 24-hour format, subtract the start time from the end time. If the end time is earlier (overnight shift), add 24 hours to the end time first. Example: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM = 17:30 − 09:00 = 8 hours 30 minutes. Try our [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) for instant results.
Add 24 hours to the end time before subtracting. Example: 10 PM to 6 AM = (6 + 24) − 22 = 8 hours. The [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) detects overnight shifts automatically.
Divide the minutes by 60 and add to the hours. Example: 7 hours 45 minutes = 7 + (45 ÷ 60) = 7.75 decimal hours. Payroll systems always use decimal format.
Calculate each day's hours separately, then add them up. Use the Work Week mode in the [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) — it sums all daily hours and shows the weekly total automatically.
Yes, for unpaid breaks. Subtract the break duration from your total shift time to get net working hours. Paid breaks (usually under 20 minutes) should NOT be subtracted. Example: 9 AM–5 PM with 1-hour unpaid lunch = 8 − 1 = 7 net hours.
Add all break durations together, then subtract from total shift time. Two 15-minute tea breaks + 30-minute lunch = 60 minutes total. 9 AM–6 PM (9 hours) − 1 hour breaks = 8 net hours.
No. Commute time is not considered working hours under Indian labour law. Your work hours start when you clock in at the workplace and end when you clock out. Remote workers: your hours start when you log into work systems, not when you wake up.
Under the Factories Act, overtime starts after 9 hours in a day or 48 hours in a week. For IT/office workers, most companies set overtime after 8-9 hours/day — but this is contractual, not statutory. Check your offer letter.
Factories Act: 2× your ordinary hourly rate. IT/office standard: 1.5× your ordinary rate. Example: ₹200/hour regular rate, 2 hours overtime at 2× = ₹800 extra (instead of ₹400 at regular rate).
You cannot be forced to work beyond 9 hours/day under the Factories Act. If you do work overtime, your employer MUST pay the overtime rate. Refusing to pay overtime is a labour violation — file a complaint with the Labour Commissioner.
Multiply your total net weekly hours by your hourly rate. Add overtime hours at the overtime rate. Example: 42 hours at ₹200/hour (40 regular + 2 overtime at 1.5×) = (40 × 200) + (2 × 300) = ₹8,600. Use the [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) Work Week mode for automatic payroll calculation.
If your annual income exceeds ₹3,00,000 (new regime) or ₹2,50,000 (old regime), income tax applies. Your employer deducts TDS automatically. For freelance/gig work, you must pay advance tax quarterly. Use our [Tax Calculator](/tax-calculator) to estimate your liability.
If your monthly salary (basic + DA) is ₹15,000 or less, EPF is mandatory. You contribute 12% of basic salary; your employer matches it. For a ₹10,000/month basic: ₹1,200 from you + ₹1,200 from employer = ₹2,400/month in your EPF account.
The rule of thumb: 2-3 hours of study per hour of exam. For a 3-hour exam, plan 6-9 hours of total study time. Use the Study Planner mode in the [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) to break this into daily Pomodoro sessions.
One Pomodoro = 25 minutes of focused study + 5-minute break. For 20 hours of study time: 20 ÷ 0.5 = 40 Pomodoro sessions. Over 10 days, that's 4 sessions/day — very manageable.
Business days are Monday through Friday, excluding weekends. Use the 'Between Dates' mode in the [Hours Calculator](/hours-calculator) — it counts business days automatically. For Indian holidays, subtract 15-18 days per year from the business day count.