8-Hour Shift Calculator
Is actual work time
(extends shift)
Shift Ends At
--:--
--
Paid Hours
--
Unpaid Break
--
Total Time on Site
How Calculated
Most labor laws and contracts define an "8-hour shift" as 8 hours of paid work. If you have an unpaid lunch break, your actual clock-out time will be later.
$$ \text{End Time} = \text{Start Time} + \text{Shift Length} + \text{Unpaid Breaks} $$
Example 1: 9-5 Standard
If you start at 9:00 AM for an 8-hour shift with a 30-minute unpaid lunch:
$$ 09:00 + 8\text{h} + 30\text{m} = 17:30 \text{ (5:30 PM)} $$
Example 2: Fixed Window
If your shift is strictly 9:00 to 17:00 (8 hours total) with 30m unpaid lunch:
$$ \text{Paid Hours} = 8\text{h} - 30\text{m} = 7.5 \text{ hours} $$
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this calculator account for overtime?
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Yes. If your "Shift Length" exceeds 8 hours, the calculator will show total paid hours. You can see how
many hours over 8 you worked in the summary.
What if my break is paid?
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If your break is paid, simply select "Paid" in the break toggle. Paid breaks count towards your work
hours and do not extend your end time in "Work Time" mode.
Does this handle overnight shifts?
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Yes, the calculator correctly handles shifts that cross midnight, showing the end time on the following
day.
Data source: General labor timekeeping standards (2026). US Dept of Labor Breaks Overview