Break Time Calculator
Calculate your actual paid working hours by accounting for breaks and lunch periods. Enter your shift times and breaks to see how much time you're actually paid for each day.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your shift start time – When does your workday begin?
- Enter your shift end time – When does your workday end?
- Add your breaks – Use the presets for common break patterns, or add custom breaks
- Mark breaks as paid or unpaid – Click the paid/unpaid toggle for each break
- View your results – See your total shift time, break time, and paid working hours
Understanding Breaks and Work Hours
Understanding the difference between paid and unpaid breaks is essential for calculating your actual work hours and ensuring accurate pay. Here's what you need to know:
Paid Breaks (Rest Breaks)
- Typically 5-20 minutes long
- Count as work time and are compensated
- Usually cannot be required to clock out
- Often mandated by law for longer shifts
Unpaid Breaks (Meal Breaks)
- Usually 30 minutes or longer
- Not counted as work time – deducted from pay
- Employee should be completely relieved of duties
- May be required for shifts over a certain length
Example Calculations
Example 1: Standard Office Worker (9–5)
- Shift: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (8 hours total)
- Lunch: 30 minutes unpaid
- Paid working time: 8h – 30m = 7h 30m
Example 2: 12-Hour Shift Worker
- Shift: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM (12 hours total)
- Lunch: 1 hour unpaid
- Rest breaks: Two 15-minute paid breaks
- Paid working time: 12h – 1h = 11h
Example 3: Retail Worker with Multiple Breaks
- Shift: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM (8h 30m total)
- Lunch: 45 minutes unpaid
- Afternoon break: 15 minutes paid
- Paid working time: 8h 30m – 45m = 7h 45m
Disclaimer: Break rules and requirements vary by location, industry, and employer. This calculator provides estimates for planning purposes. Always consult your HR department or employment contract for specific break policies that apply to your situation.
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