Hours Between Two Times Calculator – Free & Instant

Working out the hours between two times is helpful for shifts, appointments, study sessions, travel, and everyday scheduling. Instead of counting each hour on a clock, enter the start time and end time to find the elapsed time. This is especially useful when a period crosses noon, midnight, or the boundary between two calendar days.

How to calculate time between two clock times

Enter the starting time and ending time, making sure AM and PM are correct if you use a 12-hour clock. For example, 9:15 AM to 1:45 PM is 4 hours and 30 minutes. If the end time is after midnight, select an overnight option if available or enter the correct dates as well.

When the result needs an adjustment

For a work shift, the total time between clock-in and clock-out may include an unpaid meal break. Subtract any break that should not count as paid time. For payroll, follow your employer's rounding rules and applicable local requirements rather than assuming every system handles time the same way.

Related tools paragraph: A time difference calculator helps you find hours between two times and use an hours and minutes calculator for shifts or plans. You can also check date & time calculators, Advanced Calculator, and view all calculators for related tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate hours between two times?

Enter the start and end times and calculate the elapsed time.

How many hours are between 9 AM and 5 PM?

There are 8 hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM, before subtracting any breaks.

How do I calculate a shift that ends after midnight?

Include the correct dates or use an overnight setting if the calculator provides one.

Should I subtract lunch breaks?

Subtract unpaid breaks when you need total paid work time.

Can the answer show minutes too?

Many time calculators display the result in both hours and minutes.