Direct answer
Subtract clock-in from clock-out, then subtract unpaid breaks. Add each shift together for the day or week.
Use this working rule: Worked hours = clock-out - clock-in - unpaid breaks.
Open Time Card CalculatorExample with numbers
8:15 AM to 4:45 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. If lunch was 30 unpaid minutes, paid time is 8.0 hours.
In: 8:15 AM; out: 4:45 PM; span: 8.5 hours; unpaid lunch: 0.5; paid hours: 8.0.
Comparison table
| Input | What to do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Known number | Worked hours = clock-out - clock-in - unpaid breaks. | 8:15 AM to 4:45 PM is 8 hours 30 minutes. If lunch was 30 unpaid minutes, paid time is 8.0 hours. |
| Calculator check | Enter the same inputs in the related tool | Open Time Card Calculator |
| Copyable note | Save the result with assumptions | In: 8:15 AM; out: 4:45 PM; span: 8.5 hours; unpaid lunch: 0.5; paid hours: 8.0. |
Step-by-step check
Key checks
- Write down the clock-in and clock-out time for each shift.
- Convert the span to hours and minutes.
- Subtract unpaid breaks.
- Add the paid totals for all shifts in the pay period.
When this gets tricky
Do not use scheduled hours if actual punches are different.
Do not count unpaid gaps in a split shift.
Do not ignore AM/PM or overnight dates.
Copy this result format
In: 8:15 AM; out: 4:45 PM; span: 8.5 hours; unpaid lunch: 0.5; paid hours: 8.0.
Keep the inputs visible. That makes the answer easier to reuse in a timesheet note, payroll message, PTO request, or deadline explanation.
Related internal path
Related page: /guides/how-to-calculate-overnight-shift-hours/
Related page: /guides/how-to-calculate-time-card-hours-for-a-split-shift/
Open Time Card Calculator